Pinus luchuensis Seeds | Luchu Pine
LATIN NAME: Pinus luchuensis
COMMON NAME: Luchu Pine
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Luchu Pine (Pinus luchuensis) stands out as an evergreen tree. The Luchu pine fans tall, open-crowned, evergreen tree with long, paired, grey-green needles that spread in soft tufts at branch tips and small, oval cones that ripen through second season, bark flaking in grey-brown plates. Crown opens into broad, irregular, picturesque form, and tree stands salt wind and dry spells well. It likes sun, and deep, well-drained soil. Put simply, this is a rewarding species for anyone willing to give it a suitable spot.
Science & Biotechnology
Pinus luchuensis sits in the Pinus group, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Wind-shaped crown of the Luchu pine gives it a place in research on coastal windbreak trees of the east-Asian islands, and species appears in studies of salt-laden wind tolerance and reforestation of eroded slopes. Interest from collectors and breeders has never lapsed, and good seed continues to circulate.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Luchu Pine earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. In coastal garden, the Luchu pine fans grey-green needles against sea wind. Open, picturesque crown makes strong windbreak and shelter for smaller plants, it holds sandy soil on exposed banks, and timber serves construction and the fuel. It thrives in deep, well-drained, sunny ground. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Pines are a materia medica of their own: vitamin-C-rich needle teas saved explorers from scurvy, pine pollen is a tonic food in China, bark proanthocyanidins are studied for circulation, and resin gave turpentine, rosin and naval stores to history.
Growing from Seed
Raising Luchu Pine from seed is straightforward. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Luchu Pine repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
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