Pinus radiata

Pinus radiata (syn. Pinus insignis), the Monterey pine, insignis pine or radiata pine, is a species of conifer in the family Pinaceae, a pine native to the Central Coast of California, and the Guadalupe and Cedros islands of Mexico. Pinus radiata is a versatile, fast-growing, medium-density softwood, suitable for a wide range of uses and valued for rapid growth (up to two meters (6.5 feet) in one year), as well as desirable lumber and pulp qualities. Its silviculture reflects a century of research, observation and practice. It is often considered a model for growers of other plantation species. Although P. radiata is extensively cultivated as a plantation timber in many temperate parts of the world, it faces serious threats in its natural range, due to the introduction of a fungal parasite, the pine pitch canker (Fusarium circinatum). The pine shoot moth Rhyacionia buoliana is another serious problem. In cultivation in New Zealand, Pinus radiata has grown as much as 61 m (200 ft) in 41 years, an average of 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) per year.