Apache pine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Apache pine |
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The Apache pine, also known as Pinus engelmannii, is a special type of tree. It mostly grows in the mountains of northern Mexico. You can also find it a little bit in the southwestern United States, in places like New Mexico and Arizona. This pine tree is not too big, usually growing about 20 to 30 meters (65 to 98 feet) tall. Its trunk can be about 35 to 80 centimeters (14 to 31 inches) wide.
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About the Apache Pine Tree
The Apache pine has a unique look. Its branches are not very many, but they are very strong and thick. This gives the tree a distinct shape.
What Apache Pine Needles Look Like
The needles of the Apache pine are some of the longest of any pine tree. They grow in bundles of three, but sometimes you might see five together. Each needle can be very long, from 20 to 40 centimeters (8 to 16 inches). They are thick and can spread out or hang down a little.
Apache Pine Cones
The cones of the Apache pine are also quite large. They are usually about 8 to 16 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long. When they are young, the cones can be green or purple. As they get older, they turn a shiny brown color. The scales on the cones are strong and have spines, especially on the side that faces away from the branch.
The "Grass Stage"
Sometimes, the Apache pine goes through something called a "grass stage." This means that when the young tree is very small, it looks a lot like a clump of grass. This helps protect the young tree from fires. Other pine trees, like the Michoacan pine and the longleaf pine, also have this special stage.
Why Is It Called Apache Pine?
The English name "Apache pine" comes from where the tree grows. It is found in the lands where the Apache Native Americans lived.
The scientific name, Pinus engelmannii, honors an important American botanist named George Engelmann. He was the first person to discover this tree in 1848. He first called it Pinus macrophylla, but that name was already used for another pine tree. So, a French botanist named Carrière renamed it Pinus engelmannii to remember Engelmann's discovery.
Apache Pine: A Unique Species
In the past, some people thought the Apache pine was just a type of ponderosa pine. They called it Pinus ponderosa var. mayriana. However, scientists now agree that the Apache pine is its own special kind of tree. It is not just a variety of another pine.
See also
In Spanish: Pino apache para niños
