Insignis pine (Pinus radiata, Trans. Linn. Soc. London 17: 442 (1836))

Family: Pinaceae

Author: D.Don

Bibliography: Trans. Linn. Soc. London 17: 442 (1836)

Year: 1836

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pinus

Vegetable: False

Observations: California, Mexico (Guadalupe, I. Cedros)

Description

The Insignis pine, scientifically known as Pinus radiata, is an exceptional tree species with a significant presence in certain parts of North America. First described by the botanist D. Don in the early 19th century, this species has garnered attention for its distinctive growth patterns and adaptability. Documented in the Transactions of the Linnean Society of London in 1836, Pinus radiata has since become a subject of interest for botanists and horticulturists alike.

Originating primarily from the coastal regions of California and extending to specific islands in Mexico, such as Guadalupe and Cedros, Insignis pine thrives in these unique environments. The tree forms part of the Pinaceae family, which encompasses other well-known conifers. Pinus radiata is especially valued for its rapid growth and versatility, making it a popular choice in forestry and reforesting projects.

Native to a relatively restricted range, this species has adapted well to various environmental conditions, thus even being successfully introduced to other regions worldwide where it is heavily cultivated for timber. The Insignis pine stands out with its slender, towering stature and robust trunk that bears clusters of elongated needles, usually grouped in bundles of three. The cones of the Insignis pine are also noteworthy; they are sturdy, often enduring for several years on the tree before opening to release seeds.

With a natural habitat found amidst the scenic landscapes of the western coast of North America, Pinus radiata holds ecological significance. It contributes to the biodiversity of its native regions, providing food and shelter for various wildlife species. The tree’s resilience against certain pests and disease further underpins its ecological value and robust nature.

In summary, the Insignis pine (Pinus radiata) is a pivotal species within the Pinaceae family, hailing from the coastal terrains of California and select Mexican islands. Its historical documentation by D. Don and enduring presence in forests highlight its importance both biologically and economically. As such, understanding and preserving this remarkable tree remains a key focus for ongoing ecological and botanical studies.

Common Names

Eng: insignis pine, monterey pine, radiata pine, monterey-pine, cedros island pine, guadalupe island pine
Deu: monterey-kiefer
Hun: monterey-fenyo
Fra: pin de monterey, pin remarquable
Ita: pino di monterey, pino insigne
Swe: montereytall
Spa: ocote, pinheiro-insigne, pino de monterey, pino de monterrey, pino insigne, pino quebradizo
Por: pinheiro-de-monterey, pinheiro-de-monterrey, pinheiro-insigne, pinheiro-insular, pinheiro-insígne, pinus
Afr: radiataden
Cym: pinwydden monterey
En: Insignis pine, Monterey Pine, Radiata pine, Monterey-pine, Cedros Island Pine, Guadalupe Island Pine
Af: Radiataden
Ca: Pi insigne
Nl: Monterey-Den
Fr: Pin de Monterey, Pin remarquable, Pin insigne
De: Monterey-Kiefer
Hu: Monterey-fenyo
It: Pino di Monterey, Pino insigne
Pt: Pinheiro-de-Monterey, Pinheiro-de-monterrey, Pinheiro-insigne, Pinheiro-insular, Pinheiro-insígne, Pinus
Es: Ocote, Pinheiro-insigne, Pino de Monterey, Pino de Monterrey, Pino insigne, Pino quebradizo
Sv: Montereytall
Cy: Pinwydden Monterey

Synonyms

• Pinus insignis var. radiata ((D.Don) Lemmon)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tristan da Cunha (introduced)
• Turkey (introduced)
• Turkey-in-Europe (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 18, 2022 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2021 by Jörg D (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Maryse M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Olga Ozdemir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by Stella Clara Nokesi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 18, 2022 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 18, 2022 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Maryse M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Barbudo Búho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2021 by avilez bruno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Michel Gaubert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Maryse M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Maryse M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by 23 thekkrazy (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 10, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30020085-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5285727)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pinus radiata D.Don)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Tree

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.2

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Soil nutriments: 5