Calabrian Pine
Pinus brutia
- Native to:
- Bulgaria, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Greece, Iran, Iraq, Kriti, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Source: Wikimedia | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Artist: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/74733773@N00">Vince Smith</a> from London, United Kingdom
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus brutia
- USDA Symbol:
- PIBR9
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 2500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Pinus brutia is serotinous in some populations, with cones opening after fire to release seeds; it regenerates well after fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Mediterranean regions with dry summers
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow in well-drained medium.