Tree Directory

Common Name

Caribbean pine

Family

Pinaceae

Origin & Distribution

Native to Central America and the Caribbean region, including the Bahamas, Cuba, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Introduced to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide for timber, resin production, and as an ornamental. In Nigeria, it is mainly cultivated in plantations and botanical collections.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Tree Code

UI-BG-TS-040

GPS Coordinates (Lat, Long)

7.457091, 3.895301

QR Code

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Description

Evergreen conifer with a straight, cylindrical bole, often reaching 20–30 m in cultivation, but can grow up to 35 m in native habitat. Crown: Narrowly conical to rounded, becoming irregular with age. Bark: Thick, scaly, reddish-brown, deeply fissured in older trees. Leaves: Needles in bundles (fascicles) of 3, stiff, 15–25 cm long, dark green. Flowers: Monoecious; male cones cylindrical and yellow-brown, female cones ovoid and woody. Cones: 5–15 cm long, brown when mature, persisting on the tree for years.

Ecological Information

Prefers sandy, well-drained; tolerates acidic soils. Thrives in full sunlight and requires moderate to high rainfall. Drought-tolerant once established but sensitive to waterlogging. In Nigeria, used in reforestation trials, timber production, and as an educational species.

Uses & Importance

Timber: Strong, durable softwood used for construction, furniture, plywood, and paper pulp. Resin: Source of turpentine and rosin. Ornamental: Planted in parks, botanical gardens, and along avenues. Reforestation: Used for reclaiming degraded lands. Educational: Demonstrates gymnosperm morphology in forestry studies.