Aleppo Pine

The Aleppo Pine is native to the Mediterranean region; its range extends into the Middle East. Pine trees are not generally seen in Arriyadh, because of the high temperatures and alkaline soils; however, P. halepensis is tolerant of such conditions and is occasionally seen in protected locations. P. eldarica is another pine which would grow in Arriyadh. An evergreen, moderate- to fast-growing tree, up to 20 metres high and 6 metres wide and a large trunk of up to 1 metre diameter, its bark is thick, fissured and reddish in colour. When young, its growth is pyramidal; at maturity, it has an open, irregular, rounded crown with huge lateral branches. The characteristic, yellowish-green, needle-like leaves are very slender, 10 cm long and produced in pairs. The flowers are inconspicuous in brown bundles at the end of the branches. The green cones are narrow, oval, up to 12 cm long and open slowly, ripening to glossy red-brown. P. halepensis is frost-tender when young, but mature trees withstand severe frosts. It prefers full sun and reflected heat; tolerating partial shade, when young, it will grow in poor soils, except wet types. Most drought-tolerant in good soil, it does best with irrigation, 2–3 times per month. Propagation is by seed, and plants require little feeding. Prone to mites and aphids, maintenance is low; pruning is seldom required after establishment. Aleppo Pine is used in afforestation in the Middle East. It is a popular ornamental tree for planting in large private gardens, and in parks in hot dry areas.