Distribution:
– Range extends from westernmost Texas, United States to southern Baja California Sur in Mexico
– Occurs along Sierra Madre Oriental, Sierra Madre Occidental, and Eje Volcánico Transversal ranges
– Found in areas with rainfall between 380-640 millimeters
– Subspecies orizabensis found in Veracruz
– Altitudes range from 1,600 to 2,400 meters
Description:
– Small to medium-size tree, reaching 8-20 meters tall
– Trunk diameter up to 50 centimeters
– Bark is dark brown and deeply fissured
– Leaves in mixed pairs and threes, 3-6 centimeters long
– Cones globose, 3-4 centimeters long, ripening yellow-brown
History:
– First pinyon pine described, named by Zuccarini in 1832
– Mexican pinyon is relatively non-variable species
– Disjunct population in Sierra de la Laguna pine-oak forests
– Seeds widely collected in Mexico, main edible pine nut in the region
– Flavor of seeds considered improved when roasted
References:
– Farjon, A. (2013): Pinus cembroides IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
– The Plant List: Pinus cembroides Germplasm Resources Information Network
– Moore et al. (2008): National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America
– Hall, Joseph G. (1973): Symposium on rare and endangered wildlife of the southwestern United States
– Peattie, Donald Culross (1953): A Natural History of Western Trees