| General Description | Pinus elliottii was named after Stephen Elliot, a South Carolina botanist who distinguished the species from P. taeda. This is a fast growing plant, which is adapted to different soil conditions and tolerant to stress conditions, however it is susceptible to diseases
and pests. It is highly desired for commercial plantations both for the quality of its wood and resin, and for the ease of cultivation. |
| ID Characteristic | Pinus elliottii has leaves with long needles in groups of 2 or 3, with thick reddish-brown bark that forms plates. Another remarkable characteristic is the formation of a large layer of fascicles on the ground due to the constant fall of the leaves and the difficulty of its decomposition. |
| Shape | The species is intermediate between oval and pyramidal, and irregular, presenting a more pyramidal shape when young. The branches are sparse and not very dense. |
| Landscape | The species is used in landscapes with the intention of naturalizing the scenery. It is used with good results for reforestation or recuperation of degraded areas. It is also widely used for the production of resin for the extraction of turpentine, raw material for making industrial solvents, cosmetics and other products. Its wood is used for furniture and civil construction, and also in the production of softwood pulp and
wood fibre sheets. |
| Propagation | The most common method of propagation is through seeds, which germinate in about 15 to 20 days and do not require specific previous treatment. The use of mycorrhizae is associated with sowing, and increases the vigor of the plant. After sowing, about 7 to 8 months, when
the plant reaches 30 cm in height, it can be transplanted to its definitive location. Another form of successful propagation is through micropropagation, a method that has been used for the production of seedlings of high quality genotypes used in commercial timber production. |
| Cultivation | The species is well adapted to different soil conditions, tolerates soils from clay to sandy, but grows best in soils with good drainage and some moisture. It is resistant to drought conditions and it thrives in full sun or half shade. High pH is prejudicial to the species, however the species tolerates acidic soil. Pinus elliottii presents good tolerance to poor, saline soils, as well as to drought. Studies
show that air pollution and acid rain cause a decrease in the growth and population of Pinus elliottii. |
| Pests | The diseases of greatest concern to Pinus elliottii are fusiform rust and annosus root rot, which affect the stems and roots and can cause the plant to die. Pinus elliottii is also susceptible to pine needle miner, pine needle scale, pine spittle bug, spruce mites, and sawfly
larvae. Bark beetles can be an especially serious problem. It is also susceptible to fusiform rust, and pitch canker. In the seedling production process, some fungi cause great damage; Fusarium oxysporum infects the seed and causes toppling after emergence of the plant.
High pH and planting in construction areas are associated with severe chlorosis problems, with yellowing of the plant and eventual death. |
| Notable Specimens | The State Forest Edmundo Navarro de Andrade, in Rio Claro, Brazil, is a conservation centre that has been used in the past for research on economically important timber species. The site presents a very large collection of eucalyptus and pine trees, including adult Pinus elliottii
specimens. |
| Habitat | The species occurs naturally along rivers and on the shores of marshes and lakes in hot and humid areas, with humid summers and dry springs and autumns. It can grow at altitudes up to 150 m. The species occurs naturally in flatwoods in northern Florida and southern Georgia. |
| Bark/Stem Description | In the first stages, the bark is greyish brown and presents furrows,
becoming reddish brown in the following stages. As the bark becomes thicker at 2 to 4 cm, it forms plates with thin scales that flake off to reveal a dark orange colour. Its trunk can reach up to 0.8m in diameter and can be straight or contorted. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | The leaf buds are silvery brown and measure 1.5 to 2 cm, with a cylindrical shape and fringed scale margins. |
| Leaf Description | The leaves are needle-shaped, with groups of 2 in younger individuals and 3 in older ones. They are alternate, with entire and simple margins. The veining is parallel, with dark green, fragrant leaves. The leaf blade is 15 to 30 cm long. |
| Flower Description | This species does not have flowers, but has strobiles that occur in clusters of 12 or more and begin to develop in June, lasting a few weeks. The strobiles are inserted at the tip of the lateral branches and are small, 2 to 3 cm in size, and red and yellow in colour. Pollination is by wind and pollen is released between January and February. |
| Fruit Description | The cones are persistent and scabby, reddish-brown, elongated oval, measuring approximately 8 to 15 cm, and 2.5 to 7.5 cm in diameter. Squirrels help disperse the seeds, as they are attracted to the cones. |
| Colour Description | Pinus elliottii is an evergreen with dark green leaves that do not change colour during the year. The trunks are reddish brown. The cones are woody brown, and the inflorescences are yellow and not showy. |
| Texture Description | Fine, no changes between seasons. |