Eldarica Pine (Pinus eldarica)

Eldarica pine also called mondel, afghan, elder or calabrian pine is an evergreen type of tree that grows in almost all soil types. It grows in both acidic soils and alkaline soils. It also thrives well in loamy soils, clay soils and sandy soils as well.

Description

The tree has wide spacing between its branches. Its leaves are evergreen 3 to 6 inches long and are 2-3 per fascicle. Its flowers are monoecious and inconspicuous. It also has yellowish male cones while the female cones are green. The bark of the tree becomes silvery-gray for several years during its growth but when maturity sets in, it becomes furrowed and darker.

The fruits are reddish brown ovate to oblong cone and are three to four inches long. On the other hand, the twigs are moderately stout and reddish brow in colour. The buds are narrowly ovoid and are also reddish brown in colour.



Tree characteristics

This tree has different characteristics. They include:

Height: The shortest Eldarica pine tree ever recorded was 30 feet above the ground while the tallest ever recorded is 60 feet above the ground.

Mature spread: This tree species spreads to about 40’ at full maturity.

Growth rate: The tree has been found to grow at a medium growth rate although the rate reduces during drought and increases during the rainy seasons

Shape of the Tree: Eldarica pine has a pyramidal upright shape from the time it is a seedling till the maturity stage.

Attributes: It is a great desert plant which tolerates drought, strong wind and strong heat conditions. It has soft needles and strong branches and it’s airy and open as opposed to other pine types. It gives off a soft and fresh fragrance and this makes it a great choice for Christmas trees.

Wildlife value: The tree act as a windbreak during windy conditions