Pinus cembra is restricted to the central parts of the Alps (France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany) and to some higher regions of the Carpathian Mountains (isolated patches from Tatra Mountains in Slovakia and Poland to the Southern Carpathians in Ukraine and Romania). It typically grows at 1,200 metres to 2,300 metres altitude.
Pinus cembra also called as Swiss pine, Swiss stone pine, Arolla pine, Austrian stone pine, is a species of the genus Pinus. This species was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
IDENTIFY PINUS CEMBRA - AROLLA PINE PLANTS
Pinus cembra is restricted to the central parts of the Alps (France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany) and to some higher regions of the Carpathian Mountains (isolated patches from Tatra Mountains in Slovakia and Poland to the Southern Carpathians in Ukraine and Romania). It typically grows at 1200 meters to 2300 meters altitude.
Arolla pine is one of the most cold-hardy trees known, resistant to frost thanks to its evergreen foliage in which the water content can be reduced to a minimum during winter. It can reach temperatures in winter down to -43°C and in summer between -6°C and -10°C without damage (two to three year old needles). It is sensitive to ‘late frosts’ in spring and drought stress mainly in lower zones.
Swiss stone pine is a slow growing, small to medium-sized evergreen conifer which reaching 10- 12m height (occasionally 20-25m), and can live up to 1000 years with the densely conical when young, becoming cylindrical and finally very open crown. It grows commonly in a curved or contorted shape, but in protected areas can grow straight and to considerable sizes. Needles are in fascicles of five, 5-9cm long. Seed cones appear after 40-60 years, they are 4-8cm long and mature in 2 years. The wingless seeds are large and edible (7x10mm).
The wood of this conifers has yellowish sapwood and reddish heartwood with a strong aromatic odor and it is very high quality, light, easy to work and durable, as it is resistant to woodworm. Now it is principally used for handicraft (turnery, carvings, toys, marquetry) and in a minor way it is still used in carpentry, traditional houses, and flooring.
Pine nuts are tasty and rich in nutrients. Cones can be used to flavor alcoholic distillates. From cones, needles, buds and branches an essential oil can be extracted and used in natural medicine and as essence. Some cultivars with different habits and needle colours have been selected for ornamental purposes, used principally in Northern and Eastern Europe, where late frosts are less frequent.
PINUS CEMBRA - AROLLA PINE PLANTS CARE AND CULTIVATION
The cultivation of these plants presents no special difficulties, if proper soil and exposure are available. The question of hardiness is, of course, all-important. It is not only the problem of temperature the given tree will stand, but also the exposure to winds, and, to a considerable extent, the source from which the tree is derived. If the plants are raised from seeds matured in similar or even more rigorous climates, they are usually more hardy.
Soils:
Pinus cembra prefer a well-drained porous gravelly subsoil, overlaid with a light sandy loam. They seem to be particularly happy in a soil underlaid with a porous glacial drift. In cultivation, however, they succeed very well in ordinary well-drained soil. When the plants are set in clay soil, which is often done, the soil should be thoroughly loosened by trenching or subsoil plowing, and well under drained. Any available humus, wood ashes, and well-rotted manure incorporated in the soil greatly aid in rendering it friable and porous for the roots.
Manures and mulches:
Mulching with ordinary well-rotted barnyard manure in late autumn affords much stimulus to growth. By the following spring the manure will be in a desiccated condition and can be incorporated with the soil. A heavy mulch of old straw, rotten hay, or any similar material over the roots, and this was maintained throughout the entire growing season is benefit to the plants in a more or less juvenile condition.
In many cases manure is not obtainable. In such event, newly moved plants should be heavily mulched with rotten straw, rotten hay, or any similar rubbish for a few years until they become established. The frequent stirring of the ground over the roots subsequently will conserve sufficient moisture.
An area extending from the stem to one to two feet beyond the branches, stirred up with hoe and rake perhaps five or six times throughout the growing season, is very beneficial in conserving the moisture around the roots.
Pruning:
Removal of the lower branches of Arolla pine is a serious mistake, and, if healthy, they should be retained to the base. Pruning or disbudding can be intelligently performed to add much to the natural symmetry. The extraction or removal, early in spring, of the central or terminal bud, will tend to compel the branches which start from the side buds to spread apart and form a much denser growth. Cutting back the previous year's terminal growth to a strong bud or branchlet on the main limbs over the tree, if the plant is inclined to be thin in its branching, always produces a much denser lateral growth.
Transplanting:
Transplanting can be done at all times of the year, excepting midsummer when they are in full growth. The best success is secured in spring when the buds begin to swell. From the end of August to the middle of September, if there have been abundant rains and the ground has been well soaked, is a very good time to move the plants. They may be planted late in autumn when circumstances compel it, but there is likely to be a considerable percentage of loss. Their roots are very susceptible to injury from exposure to the air, and the utmost vigilance should be exercised to keep them covered and moist.
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