Pinus clausa

Pinus Clausa is an endemic species of pine in the Southeastern United States. Its common names include sand pine, Florida spruce pine, Alabama pine, and scrub pine.

Description

Pinus clausa is a small, often shrubby tree from 5-10 m (16-33 ft), exceptionally to 21 m (69 ft) tall.

The leaves are needle-like and are found in pairs of 5-10 cm (2.0-3.9 in). Their cones measure 3-8 cm (1.2-3.1in) in length.

It is fire-adapted for stand-replacing wildfires across a large portion of its range. The cones remain closed for many years ( Clausa = close) until a natural forestfire kills mature trees and opens them. They then reseed the burned ground. Different populations have cones that open at maturity. Seed dispersal does not depend on fires.

Uses

Pinus clausa woodlands are an important part of the Florida scrub ecosystem, and provide habitat for the endangered Florida Sand Skink, among other species. It is one of few canopy trees that can grow in hot, dry, and sandy locations.

Despite its dense branches making it unsuitable to produce wood, this tree is used often for wood pulp.

Distribution

The tree is found in two separate locations, one across central peninsular Florida, and the other along the western Florida panhandle coast into the Alabama coast. The distance between the population (Apalachicola to Cedar Key) is approximately 200 km (120 miles).

It is largely confined to very infertile, excessively well-drained, sandy habitats where competition from larger-growing species is minimized by the harsh growing conditions of hot sun, fast-draining white sands, and frequent severe seasonal droughts. It is often the only canopy tree within the Florida scrub ecosystem.