Merkus Pine
Pinus merkusii
- Native to:
- Philippines, Sumatera
William B. Critchfield & Elbert L. Little, Jr., U.S. Department of Agriculture & Forest Service,mohd fahmi on Flickr (www.flickr.com),mohd fahmi on Flickr (www.flickr.com),Dhr. C.H. (Christoffel Hendrik) Japing (Fotograaf/photographer).,Ratri Ely Yulisna,Sadarachmat,Brianna Laugher (www.flickr.com) from Melbourne, Australia,Brianna Laugher (www.flickr.com) from Melbourne, Australia,Ani Nur Agustin,Ken Marshall (www.flickr.com) from Taipei, Taiwan,Ken Marshall (www.flickr.com) from Taipei, Taiwan,RaymondSutanto
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus merkusii
- USDA Symbol:
- PIME2
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 4500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Thick bark provides fire resistance in mature trees. Resprouts from epicormic buds following low-intensity fires.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found on rocky slopes and ridges
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Fresh seed recommended for best results.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI