Pinus cembroides var. lagunae
Pino Piñonero

Family: PINACEAE (Pine)

The generic name refers to the genus of cone bearing trees and shrubs with needle-like leaves known as pines. The specific epithet refers to this particular variety being native to the Cape mountains in Baja California Sur.

Description

A small asymmetrical pine growing to 20 meters (60 feet) high with needles occurring in sets of threes. The cones are small and flat with an asymmetrical base and contain small winged seeds. Other species of the genus Pinus present in Baja California are Pinus coulteri (Coulter Pine), Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey Pine), Pinus lambertiana (Sugar Pine), Pinus monophylla (Single-needle Piñon), Pinus muricata (Bishop Pine), Pinus murrayana (Lodgepole Pine), and Pinus quadriflolia (Four-Needle Piñon)

Range and Habitat

The Pino Piñonero is present in the Sierra de la Laguna at higher elevations, and the genus Pinus cembroides is also represented in other parts of northern Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.

Natural History

The wood of the Pino Piñonero is sometimes used in the Cape mountains for construction. The pine nuts are edible and are used for cooking and roasting on the mainland. Birds are also fond of the pine nuts.