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

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Thick bark provides some fire resistance; serotinous cones not typical for this species.

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:

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 seedbed.