branches grow in whorls perpendicular to the trunk
dark gray ross cracked into irregular plates
Buds
buds broadly ovate, blunt, resinous
Leaves (assimilation organs)
assimilation organs needle-like
needles are relatively short, 8 - 13 x 2 - 2.5 mm large, grey-green, diamond-shaped in cross-section (fleshy), firm, with prominent whitish bands of stomata on the sides
needles are densely grouped and standing almost vertically around the branch
Flowers
wood monoecious flowers (cones) of different sexes
Fruits – seeds
fruit is a cone 10 - 15 x 4 - 5 cm large, cylindrical, upright
cone crumbles after ripening
Extension
originally widespread in a small area of southern Spain in the province of Malaga in the Serrania de Ronda group of mountains (it was discovered here in 1837), where it forms smaller homogeneous groups or mixed stands with oaks, maritime pine (Pinus Pinaster ) and other species at an altitude of 1,000-2,000 m above sea level
Ecology
has medium demands on the content of nutrients in the soil, as well as on moisture
demanding to heat
sensitive to low temperatures
grows very slowly
Significance
a valuable decorative tree with a habit, short strong needles and cones
suitable for warmer areas and protected places
in the territory of Slovakia, it occurs only as a cultivated species
