Pine is any coniferous tree or shrub of the genus Pinus, known for its distinctive needles and woody cones. These resilient Evergreen trees are valued globally for their Wood, timber, and aromatic Resin, often dominating Forest ecosystems. The scientific classification places pine trees solely within the genus Pinus, which is the only genus in the Pinaceae family.
Classification
The genus Pinus is diverse, encompassing over 100 extant species. It is broadly categorized into two primary subgenera:
- Pinus subgenus Pinus (often called hard pines or yellow pines)
- Pinus subgenus Strobus (often called soft pines or white pines)
Notable species include:
- Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
- Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
- Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)
- White Pine (Pinus strobus)