2-2 Pinaceae, pine family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Pinophyte, conifer family, Pinus, Abies, Picea, Tsuga, Larix, conifer, evergreen, pine, spruce, hemlock, balsam-fir, larch, hackmatack, tamarack

Abstract

Most of the pine family are evergreen, our notable exception is larch, whose soft needles turn golden yellow before dropping late fall. Each needle contains a resinous sap, giving a strong odour to the trees. Flowers are unisexual, in the form of catkins (or aments). Catkins are simply aggregations of scales enclosing the stamens or ovules. Pistillate catkins have two ovules at the base of each scale. After pollination, cones or fleshy fruit are formed.Photograph use for this publication are provided by Reg Newell, David Mazerolle, Ross Hall, Martin Thomas, Beth Cameron, Sean Blaney and Megan Crowley.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor.