Chir Pine
(Pinus roxburghii)
Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii)
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Photo by: gancw1 | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 | Uploader: MPF | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pinus roxburghii, commonly known as Chir Pine, is an evergreen tree native to the lower and middle elevations of the Himalayas, extending across the Indian Subcontinent. It thrives in open woodlands and dry, subtropical forests, often on steep, eroded slopes and ridges. This species can reach a height of 30–50 meters (98–164 feet) with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters (6+1⁄2 feet), occasionally reaching 3 meters (10 feet). The bark of the Chir Pine is distinctive, being red-brown, thick, and deeply fissured at the base, becoming thinner and flaky higher up the trunk.
The Chir Pine is valued for its timber and resin, and it is often used in reforestation projects due to its fast growth rate. Its needles, which are long and slender, contribute to a unique appearance and can make the soil more acidic, affecting the understory vegetation. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, from slow to medium drainage, but prefers well-drained, acidic soils. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from medium amounts of water during its growth phase. Gardeners should be aware of its potential for causing soil erosion due to its shallow root system, and it may not be suitable for all landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Chir Pine is valued for its timber and resin, and it is often used in reforestation projects due to its fast growth rate. Its needles, which are long and slender, contribute to a unique appearance and can make the soil more acidic, affecting the understory vegetation. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, from slow to medium drainage, but prefers well-drained, acidic soils. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from medium amounts of water during its growth phase. Gardeners should be aware of its potential for causing soil erosion due to its shallow root system, and it may not be suitable for all landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 30-80 feet
- Width: 20-50 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands and dry, subtropical forests of the lower and middle elevations of the Himalayas
Other Names
Common Names: Himalayan Longleaf Pine, Long-Leaved Indian Pine, Chir-Kiefer, Chil, Chir, Himalájai Hosszútus Fenyo, Dhup, Сосна Роксбурга (Sosna Roksburga), 喜马拉雅长叶松 (Xi Ma La Ya Chang Ye Song), Sula, Longleaf Indian Pine
Scientific Names: , Pinus roxburghii, Pinus serenagensis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus roxburghii Sarg.