[ID] 2 NEEDLE PINE

[Luke308]

Hey its me again!!

I was on my way home from a course I'm doing atm, and I noticed a few large pines on the side of the road. I had a feeling I should stop and check them out. Anyway I am thinking (hoping) they are Japanese Black Pines. They are 2 needle pines which is a good start, and they have the white "sheath" at the base of the needles. I took a few pics which I'm sorry to say are only phone quality, and I've collected some cones in the hope to get some seeds. Please let me know if you need any more pics to confirm, as I can take my camera tomorrow or friday and take more pics if need be. If so, please tell me what you would like a photo of.

So to all you pine gurus out there (Alpine, I'm looking at you ) can someone please help me confirm the type of pine this?

Also how do I go about collecting seeds from the pine-cones? I have seen somewhere to place them in a soil sieve to stop birds getting at them, but besides that I am unsure. Thanks to all those who have a look and try and help

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[Jow]

Not japanese black pines. Cones are the wrong shape and colour. Usually they are about 50mm long and redish brown with some green.

[Luke308]

Not japanese black pines. Cones are the wrong shape and colour. Usually they are about 50mm long and redish brown with some green.

Any idea on what it may be? These are the only 2 needle pines I have seen in my area and I have a lot of pines around here, mostly radiatas and a few canary island pines.

[Jow]

could be halapensis? not sure... two needle pines can be hard to ID.

[Luke308]

http://bonsaitonight.com/2009/11/03/pin ... technique/
http://bonsaitonight.com/2009/11/06/mor ... technique/
http://bonsaitonight.com/2010/04/06/pine-seed-prep/
http://bonsaitonight.com/2010/04/30/pla ... ine-seeds/

[shibui]

these cones are about the same shape as my JBP cones. When mature they open into round ball shape.

Nothing to indicate size of cones. JBP cones are small. mine about 6-7 cm long x 3 cm wide.
There are many different pines with 2 neeldes and bark like this and small cones though.
Do i see red candles in one of the pics? JBP has white candles. JRP has reddish candles, small cones and 2 needles (but there are still lots of sp with these attributes too)

Not sure of the finer details that differentiate pine species but it is difficult. If you get seedlings they wil probably be good for bonsai. just call them pinus sp unless you are certain of the id cos someone will pick get one and start propagating and selling it with the wrong name then everyone will be confused.

These cones may not be mature. all mture cones in this area have already opened and shed seed. These may be the cones maturing for next summer. wait until the first cones are starting to open up then collect the ones showing signs of opening or with brownish colour.
note that pine cones open mid-late summer and release most of the viable seed. but in wet weather they close up again and look ready to open but very little good seed left inside, most of the seed left is not viable from my experience.

[alpineart]

Hi Luke /Pinus Helapensis is well know around the Adelaide hills regions as a noxious weed , Its out of control . The cones look very similar to the Pinus Nigra , however the needles are too fine and straight for any of the nigra's . I have 2- Lone pines in the area i will take a look at the characteristics today and post up some pics .

Cheers Alpine

[Grant Bowie]

yep,

Halipensis. The upside down cone is a give away and they can be very orangey colour.

Grant

[alpineart]

Hi Luke , sorry mate the pics of the Allepo and Halipensis from a 14 meg camera are too big for Ausbonsai . I have sent them to your private email .

Cheers Alpine