Corsican pine - pinus nigra ssp laricio

Taxonomy

Kingdom - Plantae

Subkingdom - Tracheobionta

Division - Coniferophyta

Class - Pinopsida

Order - Pinales

Family - Pinaceae

Genus - Pinus

Species - nigra

Subspecies - laricio

The Corsican pine is one of Kew Gardens’ Heritage trees and is situated near the Main gate. The tree is a variety of Austrian pine. It was probably planted in 1814, when it was brought from the South of France by the biologist R. A.Salisbury. Its location is where the first Pinetum, or Pine collection, was originally created. It is believed to be the oldest of its species in the Country but it hasn’t had a trouble free life. The crown was hit by a light aircraft in the early part of the 20th century and also suffered at least two recorded lightning strikes badly scarring the trunk, of which the last was 1992. This danger can be catastrophic in pines, as it causes the resin to reach boiling point in seconds causing the timber to explode, showering the area with burning resin creating forest fires. These can be devastating especially were highly flammable pine needles have accumulated over time. It is for this reason that many areas of pine forest now have controlled burn-offs to prevent this, often to the benefit of the flora and fauna of the area. So this tree has had a number of miraculous escapes.

This evergreen tree, as it’s name indicates, is found in Corsica and is a member of the black (nigra) pine family. There are other variants such as the calibrica and maritima varieties. The plant can rapidly grow to 30m in height, flowering during May and June with its cones opening in October. It’s main distinguishing feature is it’s silvery bark with deep dark fissures running through it. It is valued as a timber tree as it s wood is virtually knot-free and is used for pit-props, plywood and general building work.

Turpentine, a paint thinner and solvent is manufactured from the leaves and resin, primarily because they contain terpene (C10H16) and ollo-resins. Turpentine is used both medicinally as an antiseptic, diuretic and for respiratory ailments, as well as a rub for joint complaints. The plant produces large quantities of resin, which are tapped from the trunk. This substance is also used in the manufacture of sealing wax, varnishes, wood preservatives and particularly, in the form of a solid block, by musicians who play bowed, stringed instruments and apply it to their bows to create sound.

So a special, and interesting tree?