Common Name:

General Information

Pinus tecunumanii is a large evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 55 metres[].
An important timber tree in Central America, where it can grow a straight bole with large dimensions. It is increasingly exploited for its quality timber, which is sometimes traded internationally[, ]. The tree is being trialed in plantations in many tropical countries[].
While occasionally still abundant and of very tall stature, Pinus tecunumanii is now usually scattered in small, disjunct subpopulations and has been depleted by overexploitation and forest clearing, especially at lower elevations, to such an extend that many of these subpopulations are now vulnerable to extinction. The tree has been listed as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

The wood, sawdust and resins from various species of pine can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[].

Botanical References

Range

Central America - Nicaragua to Mexico.

Habitat

Tropical, montane, dry, moist, seasonal, mixed, closed forest, open forest, at elevations of 550 - 2,700 metres[]. Upland valleys and plateaux, often growing on deep rich fertile soil, sometimes forming pure stands[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	45.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of medium to high elevations in the tropics, growing in areas with a mean annual rainfall within the range 1,000 - 3,000mm and a dry season of up to 6 months[, ]. Plants are not very resistant to frost[].
Pine species in general require a sunny position if they are to grow well and, whilst the different species have their own soil preferences, most will thrive in a light well-drained sandy or gravelly loam[, ]. Prefers a deep, fertile soil[].
A very fast-growing tree - in reforestation projects in Colombia trees grew up to 2.5 metres per year in height in the first eight years after establishment on suitable sites, though growth has been slower in other regions[].
There are two distinct forms of this species:-
A low elevation form, found at elevations from 450 - 1,500 metres. Rarely exceeding 30 metres in height, growing in areas with an average annual rainfall in the range 1,000 - 1,800 mm[].
A high elevation form found at elevations of 1,500 - 2,900 metres. Specimens can attain a height of 55 metres and are usually found in areas where the average annual rainfall exceeds 1,500mm[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The seeds of all Pinus species are more or less edible, and some are of good size and make very tasty and nutritious foods, often eaten in quantitiy. Others can be less desireable, either having a strongly resinous flavour, being bitter or, more commonly, rather too small and fiddly to make it very worthwhle even trying to eat them,
We have no specific information of the desireability of this species, though they are rather small (the size given includes the shell)[].

A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood[].

Medicinal

Oil of turpentine, obtained from the oleo-resin of all pine trees, is antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, rubefacient, stimulant and vermifuge[, ]. It is a valuable remedy used internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic affections[]. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so is useful in treating diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory complaints such as coughs, colds, influenza and TB[].
Applied externally in the form of liniment plasters, poultices, herbal steam baths and inhalers, it is a very beneficial treatment for a variety of skin complaints, wounds, sores, burns, boils etc[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The needles contain a substance called terpene, this is released when rain washes over the needles and it has a negative effect on the germination of some plants, including wheat[].

Other Uses

A tan or green dye is obtained from the needles[].

Oleo-resins are present in the tissues of all species of pines, but these are often not present in sufficient quantity to make their extraction economically worthwhile[]. The resins are obtained by tapping the trunk, or by destructive distillation of the wood[, ]. In general, trees from warmer areas of distribution give the higher yields[].
Oil of Turpentine consists of an average of 20% of the oleo-resin[] and is separated by distillation[, ]. Turpentine has a wide range of uses including as a solvent for waxes etc, for thinning and dissolving varnish and paints, a shoe polish, medicinal etc[, ].
Rosin is also obtained by distillation of pine resin. This is used in paper glue and soap manufacturing, as a constituent of varnishes and paints, and for coating the bows of stringed musical instruments such as violins[, ].
Pitch can also be obtained from the resin and is used for waterproofing, as a wood preservative etc[].

The wood is used for saw timber, framing, pallets, broom sticks, fuel wood, and kindling for fires[]. It is highly valued for use in construction work[].

Propagation

Seed - requires no pre-treatment, though commercial forestry programs sometimes soak seeds in water at room temperature for 24 hours prior to sowing[]. The seeds can be easily germinated when laid on moist filter paper in petri dishes and placed in a germinator for 7 days[]. The seeds also readily germinate when placed in open boxes that contain moist sand[]. Normal germination for seeds from natural stands is approximately 75 percent[]. Germination begins 7 to 10 days after sowing[].
Seeds stored in a plastic, air-tight container at 4°c and with a moisture content of 6 - 9 percent should remain viable for years. However, P. tecunumanii has a thin seed coat that can be cracked, chipped, or split easily by rough handling, and care must be used during seed processing[].

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