Chir Pine

Found in the outer ranges of the Himalayas these trees are very common and visible in most parts of Nepal. These are tall, straight trees only interested in their own species. These are characterized by needle like leaves which are in a group of threes as opposed to Blue pine's leaves which are grouped in fives. The barks are divided into elongated plates and makes quite a good charcoal. The wood although not durable are used for general construction purposes. The seeds are edible and the soil of turpentine is obtained from the wood. In the himalayas the pine needles are attracted by an insect which secretes a sweet substance called 'honey-dew' and this is collected and eaten by some villagers.