Plant · GBIF taxon 5285799
Japanese Black Pine
Pinus thunbergiiAlso known as Japanese Pine, Black Pine
Japanese black pines thrive in salt-sprayed coastal dunes where harsh winds sculpt their thick branches into dramatic, gnarled shapes. Dark, deeply fissured bark and stiff paired needles give these conifers exceptional resistance to oceanic storms and poor soils. Their striking white winter buds and adaptable growth form made them a cornerstone of traditional Japanese garden art and coastal breakwaters for centuries.
CoastalEvergreenConifer
1 / 7—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic
Predators
- Pine Wilt Nematode
- Japanese Pine Sawyer Beetle
- Pine Bast Scale
ThreatsPine wilt disease, pine bast scale, coastal habitat loss
HabitatsCoastal dunes, rocky shores, temperate pine forests
Life span100–500 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPinaceae
- SpeciesPinus thunbergii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Pruning: Candle pinch new shoots in early spring to maintain compact growth.
- Coastal Observation: Look for wind-sculpted specimens along ocean bluffs and sandy beaches.
- Winter Identification: Check branch tips for silky white winter buds.
Parasite Vector 
Close Relative (c) harum.koh, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by harum.koh · cc-by-saClose Relative
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