The Pinus Roxburghii ( Chir Pine): Distribution, Morphology And Ecological Significance.

 Uttarakhand, located in the northern part of India, An area of 53,483 km2, with approximately 46 % land area covere by forest, it lies between 28◦43′N to 31◦28′N latitude And 77◦34′E to 81◦03′E longitude. Chir-pine forests of the Pauri Garhwal district serve as the focal point

of this research, representing a diverse range of forest management practices. In this article we discussed about Pinus rouxbrghii plant of Pauri Garhwal Himalayan region. Pinus roxburghii (Pinaceae) commonly Known as chir pine, is a tall tree with a spreading Crown found in the Himalayan region of Garhwal. It is also planted in the garden for ornamental Purpose as well. The tapping of the stem produces oleo-resin with the pungent and having bitter taste. Distillation of the turpentine oil from The oleo-resin leaves are aromatic and Transparent rosin. It is utilized in the Manufacturing of fireworks, insecticides and Disinfectants and certain lubricating Compositions, hair fixing and nail polishing Preparations. It is used in Preparation of ointments and plasters and in many Products such as chewing gum, polishes, and Varnishes, but is a common cause of contact Allergy. The resin is applied to cure boils and administered orally to Combat gastric troubles.

      Pinus roxburghii contains a turpene substance, in abundance and is known for several medicinal properties (Puri et al., 2010). The plant also have a beneficial effects In treatment of cough, ulceration and genito-urinary disorders. Traditional uses of Plant is sweet, bitter, Pungent, intestinal antiseptic, antidyslipidemic and used in eye, ear, throat, blood, skin, ulcer, inflammations and itching as well (More,2023). Pharmacological activity of wood oil is used for hepatoprotective. Resins is antibacterial, leaves having wound healing and analgesic activity. Cone is used in treatment of fungal infection (More, 2023).

       Native Americans have used pine resin to treat Rheumatism because of its anti-inflammatory Properties. The resin acts to remove the joint Inflammation caused by rheumatism, which helps To restore movement and to alleviate pain. The Costanoan Indians gained these benefits by Chewing on the gum-like resin. A traditional use For pine resin has been as an external treatment For burns and sores. . In China the resin

       (Langenheim, 2003) States a particular pine tree is used to treat Abscesses. Resin from the spruce tree was used by Colonial Americans as a cold and cough remedy, As well as straight from the tree as a cancer Treatment. Physicians in colonial America also Recommended tar water, or ground pine resin Mixed with water, as a remedy for ulcers, Smallpox, and syphilis (Chopra et al., 1986; Puri et al., 2011). studies that different parts of the plant are prescribed to treat Cough, colds, influenza, tuberculosis, bronchitis, As antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic, rubefacient, Stimulant and febrifuge.

       Pinus rouxbrghii emerges as a crucial species, underscoring its ecological significance in the region. The pinus rouxbrghii emerged as the dominant species across all management regimes, with a higher density. However, co-dominant species are varying across the sites. The critical role of effective forest management practices in fostering sustainable biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration in the Himalayan Chir-pine forests. Thus, it helps to mitigate the impacts of climate change and biodiversity conservation, and sustainable management of forests (Pimoli, joshi et al., 2024). In the Uttarakhand State nearly 28 % forests are Covered by Chir-pine and play significant role in the state economy and Ecology (ISFR, 2021).

       Chir-pine forests in Uttarakhand warrant particular focus owing to their distinct ecological importance and their crucial contribution to the Ecosystem dynamics of the region (Chaturvedi and Singh, 1987; Singh And Singh, 1992; Kala, 2004; Brown et al., 2011; Gopal et al., 2017; Joshi et al., 2021a). Moreover, Chir-pine forests contribute significantly to the region’s biodiversity and serve as important carbon sinks, aiding in the Mitigation of climate change impacts. In pinus tree Generally, the larger diameter trees were associated with higher oleoresin yield, The oleoresin yield increased with increment in diameter of borehole (Sharma and Lekha, 2013).

In india, Pinus roxburghii (Chir Pine) is distributed mainly in the Himalayan states at altitudes ranging from 450 to 2,300 meters above sea level. It is commonly found in dry, rocky slopes and well-drained soils. Mainly they found in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland also. They found in dry deciduous forest and consume huge ammount of water for their survival. The altitude distribution of pinus roxburghii the lower limit is ~450 meter (Shivalik Hills) and the upper limit is ~2,300 meter (Transition zone to temperate forests).Most commonly found in 900-1,800 meters, where it forms pure forest.

       Pinus roxburghii (Chir Pine) found in especially in the foothills and Shivalik ranges, Pinus wallichiana (Blue Pine or Kail Pine) found in Kumaon and Garhwal regions including Bageshwar, Chamoli and uttarkashi regions.

       Pinus gerardiana (Chilgoza Pine) found in Uttarkashi and pithoragarh districts. Pinus patula (Exotic Species) found in parts of Nainital, Dehradun and Tehri Garhwal regions. (Image1)

The Chir-pine (P. roxburghii) forests are crucial habitats and supporting a wide array Of flora and fauna and providing essential resources and ecosystem Services to local communities (Pant and Tiwari, 2020; Fule et al., 2021; Joshi et al., 2023).

Morphology of P. roxburghii A large tree, branches more or less whorled; bark dark grey, often reddish, deeply fissured, rough, exfoliating in longitudinally elongated plates; leaves in clusters of three, 20-30 cm, long, triquetrous, finely toothed, light, green, persisting on an average for a year and a half; male flowers about 1.5 cm long, arranged in the form of cones; female cones, solitary or 2-5 together, ovoid, 10-20 cm×7.5×13 cm when ripe, brown, woody, seeds winged; without wing 7.5-130 mm ×5×6.5 mm; wings long, membranous (Anonymous, 2003). The branches are Whorled, growing in horizontal layers and the young twigs are smooth and grayish. P. roxburghii is monoecious , meaning both male and female cones are present on the same tree. Male cones are small, cylindrical, and occur in clusters near the tips of branches. Female cones are large, woody, ovoid to conical, measuring 12-25 cm in length. The vernacular names of P. roxburghii are Bhadradaru, Manojna in Sanskrit; Chil, Chir, Salla in Hindi.

4)TAXONOMY –

Kingdom : Plantae

Division. : Pinophyta

Class : Pinopsida

Order. : Pinales

Family. : Pinaceae

Genus. : Pinus

Species. : roxburghii

Binomial name: Pinus roxburghii Sarg

 Roots-

        P. roxburghii having the branches with restricted growth and relatively short life called the short or dwarf roots. Some of their root branch dichoto-mously, have an ectotrophic mycorrhiza and are termed as mycorrhizal roots.

 Leaves-

    In Pinus (Pine trees), the leaves are needle-like and are adapted to survive in dry and cold environments. Pine leaves are simple, flexible, linear, and needle- shaped. They are evergreen, meaning they persist for several years before falling. Needles are thick and covered with a waxy cuticle to reduce water loss. They have sunken stomata (pores) to minimize water loss. Internal structure includes resin canals that help protect against herbivores and pathogens. Pine needles are arranged in bundles (fascicles) of 1-5 Needles per fascicle, depending on the species. Each fascicle is enclosed at the base by a small seath of scales. Needles remais on the tree for 1.5-3 years before shedding.

 Bark-

    The bark of pinus species varies in texture, color, and thickness, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Generally, pine bark serves as protection against physical damage, fire, and pests. Pinus bark can be smooth, scaly, fissured, or deeply cracked. Usually thick and resinous, providing protection against fire and insects attack. The color of bark varies from reddish – brown, grey, to dark brown. Some species have peeling bark.

 Flower –

    The flower of Pinus is not a true flower in the botanical sense, as Pinus (pine) belongs to Gymnosperms, which lack true flowers. Instead, pines produce strobili (cones) for reproduction. Male Cones (Microstrobili) Length is Small, about 1–2 cm long. It is Cylindrical or oval in shape.Found in clusters at the base of new shoots. Each male cone has numerous microsporophylls, each bearing two pollen sacs (microsporangia).The pollen grains are winged for wind dispersal. Pinus is monoecious, meaning it has both male and female cones on the same tree. Male Cones (Microstrobili) Small, yellowish, clustered at the base of new shoots. It Composed of microsporophylls that bear microsporangia, producing pollen grains (male gametophytes)and Wind-pollinated. Female Cones (Megastrobili) Larger, woody structures found on upper branches. Female Cones (Megastrobili) Length Immature cones: 2–6 cm long. Mature cone is about to 5–60 cm, depending on species. it is Made up of ovuliferous scales, each bearing two ovules (which develop into seeds after fertilization).After fertilization, they mature into seed cones, which release seeds for dispersal.

 Seed-

    Pinus seeds are winged (except in some species like Pinus gerardiana, which has wingless seeds).They are enclosed within the ovuliferous scales of female cones. The seeds are naked because Pinus is a gymnosperm, meaning it lacks a true fruit covering. The winged seeds are mostly dispersed by wind (anemochory). The seeds are naked because Pinus is a gymnosperm, meaning it lacks a true fruit covering. Seeds develop after double fertilization, forming an embryo within a nutritive tissue called female gametophyte. They germinate under favorable conditions, producing a young pine seedling with cotyledons (seed leaves). Pine seeds are considered as nonwood forest products (NWFP) with regularly increasing market’s demand. They can be eaten in various ways such as roasted or raw. In addition, they are included in various traditional dishes like in cookies, sauces, candies, cakes, breads, and other bakery items and, moreover, for medicinal purposes (Bhardwaj et al., 2022).

 Stem-

         The pinus stem is woody, erect, and branched. Pinus stem is cylindrical and shows secondary growth due to the presence of vascular cambium. Young stems are greenish, but they become brown and rough when they become mature. The stem is very thick and erected. The main stem erects woody and covered with rugged scaly bark which peels Off. The dwarf shoots of pinus have limited growth .The dwarf shoots are also called Short shoots, brachyblast or foliar spurs, are borne on long shoots and arise in the axil of scale leaves. Each dwarf shoot bears two opposite scaly leaves, called Propphyls followed by 4-13, spirally arranged scaly cataphylls. Almost the needle Numbers is three in P. roxburghii.

The ecological significance of Pinus (pine) species has highlighted their multifaceted roles in various ecosystems:

1. Foundation Species: Pines often serve as keystone species, forming extensive forests that provide critical habitats for diverse flora and fauna. Their presence supports complex ecological communities and contributes to overall biodiversity.

2. Adaptations to Fire: Many Pinus species have evolved specific traits, such as serotinous cones that release seeds in response to high temperatures, enabling them to regenerate after wildfires. This adaptation not only ensures their persistence but also plays a vital role in the natural cycle of forest regenerat.

3. Soil and Water Conservation: Pine forests contribute to soil stabilization, reducing erosion, and enhancing water quality by regulating hydrological cycles. Their root systems help maintain soil structure, while their canopy influences precipitation patterns and water retentio.

4. Carbon Sequestration: As fast-growing trees, pines are significant carbon sinks, absorbing substantial amounts of CO₂ and aiding in climate change mitigation. Their ability to sequester carbon makes them valuable in efforts to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases.

5. Mutualistic Relationships: Certain Pinus species engage in mutualistic interactions with wildlife. For example, the Clark’s nutcracker plays a crucial role in dispersing seeds of the whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), facilitating forest regeneration and maintaining ecosystem health.

6. Economic and Cultural Importance: Beyond their ecological roles, pines have been integral to human economies and cultures, providing resources such as timber, resin, and food (e.g., pine nuts). Their management and conservation are essential for sustaining these benefits.

7. The all parts of the plant are believed to possess medicinal qualities in Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine. In these traditional system of medicine, the plant is used to heal many diseases, including afflictions of the eyes, ears, throat, blood and skin (Kaushik et al., 2013).

8. Pinus roxburghii has a many medicinal uses, this wood is aromatic, deodorant, haemostatic, stimulant, anthelmintic, digestive, liver tonic, diaphoretic, and diuretic. It is useful in eye, ear, and pharynx diseases, foul ulcers, haemorrhages, haemoptysis, worn infections, flatulence, liver diseases, bronchitis, inflammations, skin diseases, pruritus, and giddiness (Kaushik et al., 2012).

9. According to the study (2013-15), fourteen forest stands were selected in four different altitudes in Garhwal Himalayan of uttrakhand, India, to assess carbon stock potential of the forest. The study was conducted during 2013-2015. Among the study sites, the maximum tree density was reported in new Tehri and minimum in Daddi. The highest above – ground carbon stock was estimated in Kandikhal where bole, while lowest was in Gumkhal (Kumar et al., 2021).

10. In the study of pinus rouxbrghii recorded that fire in chir pine forests are good herbage growth and development.

  

                                                                                                Omprakash 

                                                                                               PhD in Botany