South African Pine, as it is commonly known, is a collective noun used for a variety of pines in South Africa. The Pinus pinaster has been growing in this country for almost 370 years. It can reach up to 35 metres in height, with a typical width of one metre. Its needle-shaped leaves grow up to 25 cm long and in pairs.
Is SA pine a hardwood or softwood?
South African Pine is a soft wood and cheaper furniture is often made of pine.
Do pine trees grow in South Africa?
The answer is no. Pine trees are not an indigenous feature of South African nature, we’re afraid. The seeds for various types of pine trees were first bought over in the 17th century, at the behest of the First governor at the Cape, Jan van Riebeeck.
Where do pine trees grow in South Africa?
The pine tree species invades large areas and more specifically fynbos vegetation. Fynbos vegetation is a fire-prone shrubland vegetation that is found in the southern and southwest cape of South Africa. It is found in greater abundance close to watercourses.
Do they have pine trees in Africa?
For one thing, the pines, firs and cedars of Europe and America are not native to sub-Saharan Africa. There have been Europeans here since 1652, and they, of course, have planted trees. … Most white South Africans, in fact, use fake Christmas trees.
What is the hardest wood in South Africa?
African Blackwood is one of the hardest and densest wood in the world and is mostly used for musical instruments.
What is the most rare wood?
Some woods are incredibly expensive, others unbelievably rare, but African Blackwood is a timber that satisfies both categories, renowned for its exotically dark finish, extraordinary properties and scarcity in the world.
How much is a pine tree worth in South Africa?
How much is a tree worth? It depends on the type, size & quality of the timber, but the wood of a mature Pine tree can be up to R400, whilst a mature Eucalypt tree can fetch as much as R1,000.
Are pine trees invasive to South Africa?
The earliest record of introduced alien tree species (pines) invading natural vegetation in South Africa is from about 1855, when Pinus halapensis was noted to be spreading into the fynbos biome (Richardson and Higgins, 1998).
Are oak trees indigenous to South Africa?
Quercus robur is the species of oak tree most commonly found in South Africa.
How long does it take for a pine tree to grow to full size?
It takes about 25-30 years for pine trees to reach its maturity but sometimes people leave them for 50 years to grow fully as older the pine tree more the value of wood.
Where are pine trees originally from?
Pines are native to the Northern Hemisphere, and in a few parts of the tropics in the Southern Hemisphere. Most regions of the Northern Hemisphere (see List of pines by region) host some native species of pines.
What is the biggest forest in South Africa?
The Knysna forest is the largest forest complex in Southern Africa, and covers an area of about 60,500 ha. The forest includes high (>20 m) and scrub (3 m) forest, and is found in fragmented patches on the seaward side of the coastal mountains.
What type of trees are in South Africa?
Trees of South Africa South African Indigenous Trees List
- Baobab. All species of baobab trees are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves annually. …
- Black Monkey Orange. …
- Buffalo Thorn. …
- Bushwillow. …
- Common Star Chestnut. …
- Corkbush. …
- Jackalberry. …
- Knob Thorn.
How does a pine cone work?
The main function of a pine cone is to keep a pine tree’s seeds safe. Pine cones close their scales to protect the seeds from cold temperatures, wind and even animals that might try to eat them. Pine cones open up and release their seeds when it is warm and it is easier for the seed to germinate.
What do pine trees represent?
Pine trees are cultural symbols all around the world! Going back centuries, these special trees have a role in numerous cultures and folklore tales. For Native Americans, they represent wisdom and longevity. To other cultures, they represent fertility and life.