Pinus cembra - Swiss pine

Pinus cembra, also known as Swiss pine, is a slowly growing, evergreen conifer from the family of the Pinaceae. This species is native to the high mountains of Europe, especially in the Alps and the Carpathians. Pinus cembra is known for their extraordinary adaptability to extreme environmental conditions and plays an important role in the high alpine ecosystems.

Morphology

Pinus cembra is a medium -sized tree that can reach a height of 20 to 25 meters. Under extreme conditions in high alpine regions, it often remains shrub -like or as a small tree with twisted trunks and branches. The bark of the Swiss pine is initially smooth and gray, but becomes cracked in old age and takes on a reddish-brown color.

The needles of Pinus cembra are characterized in a characteristic fifth point in tufts, which distinguishes them from many other types of pine. The needles are about 5 to 9 centimeters long, soft, flexible and from a deep green color. This arrangement and structure of the needles helps the tree to adapt to the extreme climatic conditions of its habitat by reducing the transpiration (water loss).

The Swiss pine forms egg -shaped cones that are about 5 to 8 centimeters long. These cones contain large, oil -rich seeds, which are known as ore. The seeds are not winged, which distinguishes them from the seeds of many other types of pine. The pine cuts are an important source of food for wild animals, especially for the pair of pine (Nucifraga caryocatactes), which plays a crucial role in the spread of the seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Pinus cembra is common in the central Alps and in the Carpathians. The plant prefers cold, windy and often snow -rich conditions at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,500 meters. The Swiss pine often grows in mixed forests with larches (Larix decidua) and other high alpine tree species. It thrives on acidic to neutral soils that are well permeable and can grow on both rocky surfaces and on loose substrates.

The Swiss pine is a pioneer plant and often one of the first tree species that colonize new areas after glacier withdrawal or avalanches. She firmly anchor her deep tap root in the ground and enables her to survive even under extreme conditions.

Ecological meaning

Pinus cembra plays a central role in the ecosystems of the high alpine regions. The tree offers habitat and food for a variety of animal species, including the previously mentioned fir jay, which spreads the seeds and thereby contributes to the regeneration of the Swiss pine forests. Other bird species, rodents and large mammals such as deer and chamois also find protection and food in Swiss pine forests.

The Swiss pine also has an important function under protection against erosion. Due to its deep root systems and its ability to grow on difficult substrates, it stabilizes the soil and prevents slide from slipping, especially in avalanche areas.

In addition, Pinus cembra plays an important role in the local climate system by influencing the water regulation in alpine regions by shading the soil and reducing the snow melting rate.

Use and economic importance

The Swiss pine has a long history of use by humans. The wood of Pinus cembra is valued because of its pleasant smell, its soft, easily editable texture and its high resistance to putrefaction. It is traditionally used for the construction of furniture, carvings and building materials. Circular pine furniture is particularly popular in the Alpine regions because of their warm, red-brown color and their resinous aroma.

The pine nuts are also of economic importance. They are valued by both people and wild animals. In the kitchen you will find use in various dishes such as cakes or spreads, and they are also used to make stalks of the pine.

In folk medicine and aromatherapy, the essential oil of the fibrous jaw is used to treat respiratory diseases and to promote a relaxing sleep. The scent of the Swiss pine wood is supposed to have a calming effect and contribute to relaxation.

Protection and maintenance

Although Pinus cembra's stocks are relatively stable in their natural distribution area, the Swiss pine forests are under pressure in some regions. Factors such as climate change, which leads to an increase in the tree line, intensive forestry and tourism threaten the natural habitats of the Swiss pine.

Various protective measures are necessary to protect the Swiss pine and their habitats. This includes the designation of protected areas, the promotion of natural forestry and the awareness of the public for the importance of this tree species.