Taxus Baccata

Pinus hwangshanensis,^[1] or Huangshan pine, is a species of pine endemic to the mountains of eastern China; it is named after the Huangshan Mountains in Anhui, from where it was first described.

Description

Pinus hwangshanensis is an evergreen tree reaching 15–25 metres (49–82 feet) in height, with a very broad, flat-topped crown of long, level branches. The bark is thick, grayish, and scaly plated. The leaves are needle-like, dark green, 2 per fascicle, 5–8 centimetres (2–3+1⁄4 inches) long and 0.8–1 millimetre (1⁄32–3⁄64 in) wide, the persistent fascicle sheath 1 cm (1⁄2 in) long. The cones are broad squat ovoid, 4–6.5 cm (1+1⁄2–2+1⁄2 in) long, yellow-brown, opening when mature in late winter to 5–7 cm broad. The seeds are winged, 5–6 mm (3⁄16–1⁄4 in) long with a 1.5–2.5 cm wing. Pollination occurs in mid-spring, with the cones maturing 18–20 months after.^{[citation needed]}

It is closely related to Japanese black pine (P. thunbergii), differing from it in the slenderer leaves, brown (not white) buds and broader cones.^{[citation needed]}

Distribution and habitat

Huangshan pines are endemic to the mountains of eastern China, in the provinces of Anhui, Fujian, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang.^{[citation needed]}

They typically grow at moderate to high altitudes on steep, rocky crags, and are a major vegetation component in the landscapes of eastern China. Many specimens are venerated for their unique rugged shapes and are frequently portrayed in traditional Chinese paintings.^{[citation needed]}