Chir Pine

Pinus roxburghii

Physical Characteristics

Pinus roxburghii is an evergreen Tree growing to 40 m (131ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen in April. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to Bhutan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Manna Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Seed - raw or cooked[51, 63, 158, 183, 272]. Not very nice, it has a strong flavour of turpentine[105] and is only eaten as an emergency food[177]. A reasonable size, the seed is up to 11mm long[200]. A sweet edible manna exudes from the bark and twigs[177, 183]. It is actually a gum[177]. A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Diaphoretic Diuretic Rubefacient Stimulant Vermifuge The turpentine obtained from the resin of all pine trees is antiseptic, diuretic, rubefacient and vermifuge[4]. It is a valuable remedy used internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic affections[4]. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so is useful in treating diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory complaints such as coughs, colds, influenza and TB[4]. Externally it is a very beneficial treatment for a variety of skin complaints, wounds, sores, burns, boils etc and is used in the form of liniment plasters, poultices, herbal steam baths and inhalers[4]. The wood is diaphoretic and stimulant[240]. It is useful in treating burning of the body, cough, fainting and ulcers[240].

Known Hazards

The wood, sawdust and resins from various species of pine can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[222].