PINACE^ 415 



It is most closely allied to P. densiflora and is recognized by 

 its longer leaves and differently coloured cones. It is sometimes 

 confused with P. Thunhergii,h:om. which it may be recognized by 

 its longer leaves and marginal resin canals. 



P. Massoniana is a native of S.E. China following the valley 

 of the Yangtse River into Szechuen. 



The timber does not appear to have any independent com- 

 mercial value, although it is doubtless mixed with that of allied 

 species. The pollen is said to be used in confectionery, for the 

 exteriors of cakes and pastry in Chekiang (see specimens in Kew 

 Museums). 



Pinus Merkusii, Jungh and de Vriese, 

 Tenasserim Pine. 



Pinus Finlaysoniana, Wallich ; P. Latteri, Mason ; P. Merkiana, 

 Gordon ; P. sumatrana, Hort. 



A tree 60 ft. high in Burma, 100 ft. in Sumatra, of pyramidal 

 habit when young, spreading or round-headed when mature. 

 Bark of well-grown trees grey to brown, rather thick and deeply 

 fissured. Leaves in pairs, persisting 1-2-2 years, 7-10 in. long, 

 margins finely toothed, apex abruptly pointed, resin canals 

 median or with internal or intermediary ducts ; basal sheath 

 |-f in. long. Cones solitary or in pairs, 2-3 in. long, narrowly 

 cylindrical, often curved ; scales woody, oblong, the exposed part 

 rhomboidal and furrowed. Seeds small with a well- developed 

 wing. 



This species is very clearly defined by its peculiar cones and 

 leaf section. 



P. Merkusii is the most tropical of all pines occurring in Siam, 

 Java, Cochin China, Burma, Borneo, Sumatra, and the Philippine 

 Islands. In Burma it occupies low hills and spurs at elevations 

 of 500-2,500 ft., and in Siam it is a common tree in some regions 

 at an altitude of 1,500 ft., usually on light, gravelly, well-drained 

 soils, sometimes in almost pure stands, and at others mixed with 

 various broad-leaved trees. The wood is very resinous, with 

 reddish-brown heartwood and yeUow sapwood. It is used 

 locally for building purposes and general carpentry, but does 

 not appear to be cut to any great extent. The tree produces a 

 good-quality resin, but it receives Httle attention owing to the 

 inaccessibihty of the forests. 



P. Merkusii cannot be grown out of doors in the British 

 Isles, but it might be useful for planting in S. Africa and 

 Australia. 



Troup, R. S., Silviculture oj Indian Trees, iii, 1093 (1921), 



