Masson's Pine (Simao Pine)

Simao Pine

Simao Pine is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Simao Pine (Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis) is an evergreen tree of the genus Pinus in the pine family, and a geographical variety of Khasi Pine. Its bark is relatively thin, brown, and peels off in turtle-shell-like flakes. Branches grow in 2 to several whorls per year, forming a broadly rounded crown. The needles are arranged in bundles of three, measuring 10–22 cm in length and less than 1 mm in diameter. They are fine and flexible, with fine serrations along the edges, and have 3–6 marginal resin canals. The cones remain on the tree for many years after maturity, are ovoid in shape, measuring 5–6 cm in length and 3.5 cm in diameter. The base is slightly oblique, with obliquely square, somewhat thickened and raised or distinctly cone-shaped umbo scales that bear prominent transverse ridges, occasionally also longitudinal ridges. The cone scales have small, slightly protruding umbos with short spines. The seeds are oval, 5–6 mm long, with wings that make the total length 1.7–2 cm. This species is extremely heliophilous, deeply rooted, and thrives in high-temperature, humid environments. It does not tolerate cold, drought, or poor, infertile soils. The tree has a straight, tall trunk, grows rapidly, and its wood has a wide range of uses. It is suitable for afforestation in barren hills and wastelands at altitudes below 1,800 meters in southern, central, and western Yunnan, as well as in areas such as Xichang in Sichuan.