Pinus cembroides, also known as pinyon pine, Mexican pinyon, It lives in areas with little rainfall, which fluctuates between .
The subspecies Pinus orizabensis (orizabensis) is found farther south in the state of Veracruz. There is also a disjunct population in the Sierra de la Laguna of southern Baja California Sur. It occurs at moderate altitudes, mostly from , which some authorities consider a separate species (P. lagunae).
Ecology
The seeds are dispersed by the Mexican jay, which plucks the seeds out of the open cones. The jay, which uses the seeds as a major food resource, stores many of the seeds for later use, and some of these stored seeds are not used and are able to grow into new trees. Abert's squirrel also feeds on the seeds in preference to those of the ponderosa pine.
Conservation
It is a common pine with a wide range and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Uses
The seeds are widely collected in Mexico, being the main edible pine nut in the region. While palatable when raw, their flavor is considered to be improved when roasted.
References
External links
- Photos of Pinus cembroides tree and foliage
- Photo of cones (scroll half-way down)