Sunday, July 23, 2006
The Canary Island Pine
Canary Island Pines in the Caldera de Taruriente, La Palma (España).
Photo: Luc Viatour
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The Canary Island Pine (Pinus canariensis) is a common sight on the mountains of Tenerife where it manages to grow on very rocky ground and forms large areas of forest, but what is perhaps not so well known is that this tree has many medicinal properties.
Amongst other applications, essential oil from the Canary Pine needles and twigs can be used as an inhalant, to treat bronchitis and heavy colds, externally as a remedy for arthritis and rheumatic pain, and to treat bruises and sprains.
The Canary Islands Pine tree is an endemic plant of the archipelago, wild only in Tenerife, La Palma, Gran Canaria and Hierro, which sometimes reaches great dimensions; there are some plants up to 192 feet tall with trunks over seven feet in diameter.
Commonly planted in California and other warm western parts of the US.
In its native habitat, Canary Island pine produces strong, dense heartwood (sinks in water), which is much stronger and more durable than that of most pines.
The native range has been somewhat reduced due to over-cutting so that only the islands of Tenerife and La Palma still have large forests. It is the tallest tree in the Canary Islands. Its closest relatives are the Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) from the Himalaya, and Turkish Pine from the eastern Mediterranean.
Medicinal Properties of The Canary Island Pine
Canary Island Pine From Wikipedia
Canary Island Pine Tree in Arizona
Pinus canariensis at Arborday Tree Guide
Pinus canariensis: Canary Island pine (Pinaceae Family) Compiled by the Master Gardeners of the University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension.
Pinus canariensis Encyclopedia of Stanford Trees, Shrubs, and Vines
Heartwood Cloisters at the Franciscan convent in Garachico
