Himalayan Blue Pine, Bhutan pine, Himalayan Pine

Pinus wallichiana

Physical Characteristics

Pinus wallichiana is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. 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), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to S.E. Tibet.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Manna Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Seed - raw or cooked[183]. It has a very resinous flavour and so is not much relished[158]. The seed is quite small, to 7mm long[200]. The honeydew from aphid infested leaves is eaten as a manna[51, 146, 158]. Another report says that a manna-like substance that exudes from the leaves and twigs is eaten or used like honey[183]. 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].