BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
SPECIES: Pinus muricata | Bishop Pine 



GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : 
Bishop pine is a native conifer, typically 49 to 50 feet (15-25 m) tall
[15,30,35,46].  The needles are 3 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) long and
persist for 2 to 3 years [11,24,29,35].  The asymmetric, thin- to
thick-scaled, spiny cones are 1.9 to 2.8 inches (5-7 cm) long
[23,24,47].


RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : 
   Phanerophyte


REGENERATION PROCESSES : 
The interval between good seed crop is 2 to 3 years.  Bishop pine begins
to produce seed at the age of 5 to 6 years [19].

Bishop pine produces cones that remain closed for several years and open
after fire or on hot days [44].  Temperatures of up to 203 degrees
Fahrenheit (95 deg C) do not seriously reduce seed germination [23].
The germinative capacity is approximately 80 percent [19,23].  A
germination study indicated that seeds germinate equally well on highly
acid, serpentine, or clay soils [26].

Growth of bishop pine is rapid [2,25,38].


SITE CHARACTERISTICS : 
The climate where bishop pine occurs is Mediterranean; most of the
precipitation falls in the winter, and summers are dry [45,46].  Fog
occurs in spring and summer is important to bishop pine's survival
[15,29,33,36,44].  Slopes vary from flat to steep, and are often
north-facing [37,38,44,46].  Bishop pine occurs from near sea level to
1,320 feet (0-400 m) in elevation [44].

Soils in which bishop pine grows are sometimes shallow and poorly
drained [44].  In the pygmy forest, the upper soil layer is devoid of
nutrients, has a low pH (4.7), and covers an impermeable hardpan.  When
growing in this soil, bishop pine has stunted growth [3].  It is also
found on less acidic soils which vary from dry, gravelly sands to peat
bogs [38].  Diatomaceous shale soils support good growth [44].


SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : 
Bishop pine stands are typically even-aged, originating after fire
[15,18,33,44].  Fire is the most common natural disturbance in bishop
pine communities [9].  

Bishop pine has intermediate shade tolerance [4,25].


SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : 
Cones of bishop pine open for pollination between April and June
[10,15,19].  Growth is initiated in the spring [15].

Related categories for Species: Pinus muricata | Bishop Pine