Caribbean pine - the test tree

[Anthony]

Okay this tree is available from our forestry nurseries, and we test on them, pass the information onto J.B.pines.
This tree grows according to how much moisture is in the air.
Like most trees down here height is determined by competition. Tall in the pine forest, squat in the open.
Likes sandy soil, which is why we use 5 mm builder's silica based gravel for the J.B .pine.

Needles are about 8 to 10 inches, and there are no candles, just new sprouts.

This one is maybe 8 years old.

Oh, this is a lumber pine, might live about 100 years and trunk is about 1' or so when mature.
Easy to grow.

Please note, to see the needles have been - CUT -. No technique yet yields smaller needles, other than what happens when the tree is small.

Testing for new sprouts on old bark, and anything that can be thought of.

Radial roots are not great.

Wiring will start this year.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[GroveKeeper]

Interesting tree. The movement and bark texture is pretty nice.

 

[Adair M]

No candles? Take a picture when the new growth starts. Is is native to your island? Or what? Have a scientific name for it?

 

[Anthony]

Hah Sifu,

caught your attention, now, did I, ha ha.
Introduced in probably the 1940's but if you read below, it has no resistance to frost.
I will see if I can get an image of a mature tee for you.

Happy to show you the new growth, but beware, it maybe the tree in the double colander -
Good Day
Anthony

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean_pine

http://www.arkive.org/caribbean-pine/pinus-caribaea/

"Caribbean pine is considered a tropical pine species because it lacks resistance to frost." [ source - Fire History of Caribbean Pine - web-utk-edu / ] Internet search

 

[Anthony]

Here you are Sifu.
A mature tree.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[Adair M]

That looks like a relatively "young" tree. The branches in the middle of the trunk are still growing "up". The lowest branches are maybe horizontal, but they don't appear to "hang". Young tree.

Not saying it's not pretty, it just appears "young".

Really long needles? And no technique to reduce them? (Other than scissors?)

It might be that's what you'll have to do if you use it for bonsai.

Not every species responds to bonsai techniques. Many oaks won't reduce the size of their leaves. Southern Magnolia won't reduce its leaves. There are some Magnolias that do have smaller leaves, but they're not "Southern Magnolia".

Do some experiments. If you find a way to reduce the needles, then go for it. If they never reduce, then you can authoritively say they won't. You'll never know unless you try.

Then again, if you already KNOW they won't reduce, well... Let's just say I'd find another species to work with.

 

[Anthony]

Thanks Sifu,

it's part of the problem and fun, we have down here. Quite a few new species to work on, and having to continuously experiment, borrowing from outside for standards,

Will ask at forestry, where are the 1940 specimens. Not sure if this tree lives beyond 100 years though.
Now imagine, a tropical pine for indoor growing on your side ?

I have seen runaway specimens in buckets with 6" trunks, so hopefully 3" won't take too much longer.
Thanks for looking.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[Adair M]

Thanks Sifu,

it's part of the problem and fun, we have down here. Quite a few new species to work on, and having to continuously experiment, borrowing from outside for standards,

Will ask at forestry, where are the 1940 specimens. Not sure if this tree lives beyond 100 years though.
Now imagine, a tropical pine for indoor growing on your side ?

I have seen runaway specimens in buckets with 6" trunks, so hopefully 3" won't take too much longer.
Thanks for looking.
Good Day
Anthony

An "indoor" pine! I sure it would require a lot of lights to simulate your sunshine.

You should ask the forestry people if they ever find natural dwarf specimens or "witches brooms". Those might have short needles and short internodes. That's how all the "cork bark" JBP were found. And all the various cultivars of JWP with their beautiful short needles. Varieties like "Zuisho" came from one sport that someone noticed and thought it would make bonsai. Maybe you could find a naturally occurring Caribbean Pine with short needles. Graft it onto regular stock. You'll become famous!

 

[Anthony]

Thanks Sifu,

would never have thought about that. Don't need the famous part though.
Humbly,
Anthony

* Wish a Zuisho would grow down here, but we can't even test, as it is forbidden to import any conifer.

 

[Skillachie]

@Anthony . What was the result of this? I am also from the West Indies and started looking at some young Caribbean Pines but the needles are very long as you said.

 

[Bu-Jetjet]

No technique(s) to reduce needle length? Get a 3' or 4' tall specimen - problem solved.

 

[HorseloverFat]

Sufi?

...Did I "Sufi" right?

 

[HorseloverFat]

@Anthony . What was the result of this? I am also from the West Indies and started looking at some young Caribbean Pines but the needles are very long as you said.

Anthony has not been active here in some time... it's too bad, too.

I miss his presence and consider his words often.

 

[Skillachie]

No technique(s) to reduce needle length? Get a 3' or 4' tall specimen - problem solved.

Ok. Thank you for getting back. Will try to find them that tall but seem hard to come by. Thanks again