Ocote Chino
Pinus oocarpa
- Native to:
- El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua
Perquín 4036.jpg : Metztli derivative work: MPF ( talk )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus oocarpa
- USDA Symbol:
- PIOO2
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
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
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Pinus oocarpa is serotinous in some populations, with cones opening after fire to release seeds; it regenerates well in post-fire environments.
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:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow in well-drained seedbeds.