The Caribbean Pine (Pinus caribaea) is a hard pine native to Central America, Cuba and the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.
The species has three distinct varieties, one very distinct and treated as a separate species by some authors:
Pinus caribaea inhabits the low savanah lands and low mountain ranges in Central America an the previous mentioned islands. Fire plays a major role limiting the range of this species, as it has been reported that this tree regenetrates quickly and agressively, replacing lattifoliate trees [1]. So, in zones not subject to periodical fire, the succesion continues and a tropical forest thrives.
While the species as a whole is not threatened, the typical variety of Cuba has markedly declined due to deforestation and is now considered a Vulnerable species by the IUCN.
References
- ^ Vázquez-Yanes, C., A. I. Batis Muñoz, M. I. Alcocer Silva, M. Gual Díaz y C. Sánchez Dirzo (1999). "[www.conabio.gob.mx/conocimiento/info_especies/arboles/doctos/55-pinac2m.pdf Árboles y arbustos potencialmente valiosos para la restauración ecológica y la reforestación.]". Retrieved on 2002. (Spanish)
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