Pinaceae
Pinaceae Spreng. ex F.Rudolphi is an accepted family in the order Pinales according to the Gymnosperm classification (Christenhusz et al.; POWO; World Flora Online). The family comprises approximately 11 genera and 230–250 species, distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Molecular phylogenetic studies strongly support the monophyly of Pinaceae and have clarified relationships among its major genera. The family is characterized by resinous evergreen trees (rarely deciduous), needle-like leaves, separate male and female cones, naked seeds borne on woody cone scales, and extensive resin canal systems.
Key characteristics
- Evergreen resinous trees
- Leaves needle-like or linear
- Leaves solitary or in fascicles
- Plants monoecious
- Male and female cones separate
- Seeds naked on woody cone scales
- Resin canals abundant
- Wind-pollinated
Distribution
Pinaceae is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, extending across North America, Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean region, the Himalayas, Central Asia, East Asia, and Siberia. Members dominate boreal forests (taiga), temperate coniferous forests, subalpine forests, and montane ecosystems, often forming extensive pure stands. In Pakistan, Pinaceae is concentrated in the Himalayan, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, Murree Hills, Galliat, Kaghan Valley, Swat, Chitral, Dir, Kohistan, and the western Himalayas. Species occur from approximately 1, 000 to over 4, 000 m elevation, forming extensive coniferous forests. Major Pakistani species include Pinus roxburghii, Pinus wallichiana, Pinus gerardiana, Cedrus deodara, Abies pindrow, Picea smithiana.