| Pinus oocarpa | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Gymnospermae |
| Division: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Genus: | Pinus |
| Subgenus: | P. subg.Pinus |
| Section: | P. sect.Trifoliae |
| Subsection: | P. subsect.Australes |
| Species: | P. oocarpa |
| Binomial name | |
| Pinus oocarpa | |
 | |
| Natural range ofPinus oocarpa | |
Pinus oocarpa is a species of pine tree native toMexico andCentral America. It is the national tree ofHonduras, where it is known asocote. Common names includeocote chino,[3]pino amarillo,pino avellano,Mexican yellow pine,egg-cone pine andhazelnut pine. It appears that it was the progenitor (original) species that served as the ancestor for some of the other pines of Mexico.
This species ranges from latitudes of 14° to 29° north, including westernMexico,Guatemala and the higher elevations ofHonduras,El Salvador and northwesternNicaragua. An average temperature of 15 to 24 °C (59 to 75 °F) and annual rainfall of 1,000–1,900 mm (39–75 in) are needed for best development. Preferred elevations are 900–2,400 m (3,000–7,900 ft) abovesea level. In El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua it grows above 800 m (2,600 ft).Pinus oocarpa var.trifoliata grows between 2,000 and 2,400 m (6,600 and 7,900 ft) above sea level.
It is an important source of commerciallumber inHonduras andCentral America.Pinus oocarpa was introduced for commercial production of wood for the paper industry: inEcuador,Kenya,Zambia,Colombia,Bolivia,Queensland (Australia),Brazil andSouth Africa. Due to the amount of resin within the tree, many Central Americans will use small shavings to start cooking fires.
Authority control databases: National |
|---|
