Pinus roxburghii aka Chir Pine

Pinus roxburghii is a large tree in the pine family. Its common names include chir pine and long-leaved Indian pine. Kew places its native range from Pakistan through the Himalaya and northwestern India. It forms broad forests on mountain slopes. These forests reach heights of about 8,860 feet [2,700 metres]. It grows best on north-facing slopes or good soil.

The tree has a straight trunk and thick, coarse branches. PFAF gives a height of about 131 feet [40 metres]. Virginia Tech records trees over 150 feet [46 metres]. Neither source gives a clear garden size range. Thick bark turns dark red-brown, with scaly ridges and deep grooves. The stout twigs are red-brown, and their buds lack resin. Shiny green needles grow in bundles of three. They reach almost 1 foot [0.3 metres] long. Tufts of needles gather at the branch tips. The tree is evergreen, though dry sites can prompt yearly leaf loss.

Each tree bears both male and female cones. The male cones form yellow spikes; female cones start greenish-brown. Wind carries the pollen between trees. PFAF reports poor growth from seed produced by self-fertilization. Mature cones are glossy brown, with an oval or stretched shape. They reach about 0.67 feet [0.2 metres] long. Their thick scales end in rounded, raised tips. PFAF lists April as the month when seeds ripen.

Grow chir pine in full sun and well-drained soil. Light sandy or gravelly loam suits it well. It also tolerates poor soil and a wide pH range. Chalky and strongly alkaline soils can support it. Avoid sites where water drains poorly. Established trees withstand drought, though they also accept moist soil. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–11. In Britain, outdoor growth is limited to the mildest areas. Its large form suits the canopy of a woodland garden.

In India, growers tap this pine as a major resin source. Its needles also yield tan or green dye. Rain can wash compounds from the needles that hinder some seeds' growth. The seeds are edible raw or cooked but taste strongly of turpentine. PFAF describes them as food for times of shortage. A sweet, edible gum also seeps from bark and twigs.