Ocote Chino

Pinus oocarpa

Native to:
El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua

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Taxonomy

Division:
Coniferophyta | - Conifers
Family:
Pinaceae
Genus:
Pinus
Species:
Pinus oocarpa
USDA Symbol:
PIOO2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
3500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Nantucket pine tip moth (Rhyacionia frustrana)

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. Resprouts from epicormic buds after low-intensity fire. Common in fire-maintained pine-oak forests of Central America.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
5.0 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in nutrient-poor conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Best results at 20-25°C with light.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI