What is the Scientific Name of a Pine Tree?

Scientific name of pine tree: Why does your Christmas tree smell like a fresh mountain breeze? Or why do some forests stay green all winter long? One of nature's oldest and strongest survivors holds the answer. Botanical surveys from the past few years show that pines can adapt to changing climates better than scientists thought before.

This makes them a focus of global reforestation efforts. Recent ecological data show that these famous conifers have ruled the Northern Hemisphere for millions of years, covering about 25% of the world's forest area.

But these trees are more than just beautiful; they have a specific name in the world of science. You don't have to be a botanist to know the scientific name of a pine tree. It's a way to learn how these big trees are grouped. Hereo, we'll talk about the Latin names, the different kinds of these beautiful trees that grow all over the world, and where you can find them in India.

What is the Scientific Name of a Pine Tree? 

The scientific name of a pine tree is Pinus. This is actually the name of the genus that belongs to the broader family known as Pinaceae. The term "Pinus" is derived from Latin, and it refers to the entire group of resinous, evergreen conifers. 

While there are over 120 different species within this genus, they all share the same primary pine Latin name. Each specific type then adds a second word to create its unique botanical identity.

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How Many Types of Pine Trees are There on Earth? 

As of 2025, botanists recognize approximately 115 to 125 species of pine trees globally. These species are generally divided into two main subgenera: Pinus (hard pines) and Strobus (soft pines). 

While they are native to the Northern Hemisphere, they have been introduced to temperate regions worldwide for timber and ecosystem restoration.

Below is a look at some of the most common types of pine trees and their scientific details:

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Where are Pine Trees Found in India? 

Pine trees are not only a part of the landscape in India; they are also very important to the mountain economy and the local biodiversity. They don't like the tropical plains; they like the cooler, higher-altitude climates of the North and Northeast.

1. The Himalayan Belt 

This is the primary home of the pine in India. States like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir are famous for vast forests of Pinus roxburghii (Chir Pine).

2. The Northeast Heights

In the hills of Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, the Khasi Pine (Pinus kesiya) thrives. These forests are unique because they form a transition zone between the Himalayas and Southeast Asian jungles.

3. High Altitude Specialists

The Blue Pine, or Pinus wallichiana, grows at higher altitudes (up to 3,500 meters) and has needles that are a unique blue-green color.

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Knowing the scientific name of pine helps us understand the various types of pine trees. The Chilgoza's tasty seeds and the Ponderosa's tall timber are just two examples of how these trees are still important to our environment.

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