Description: A coniferous tree up to 30 m high, with a smooth red bark. The outer bark of the trunk is cracked at the base. The young branches are greyish-yellow, and bear pairs of stiff, twisted, bluish or greyish-green needle-shaped leaves. Clusters of male flowers in spikes form on the base of new offshoots; the solitary female flowers rise under the apical bud of the leading shoot, and form cones; after pollination winged seeds develop.
Distribution: The species is common in Europe and Asia. It tolerates dry, sandy soils and this is why it is cultivated chiefly in places where other coniferous trees cannot be easily grown.
Preparation: Oil of turpentine from pine needles and pine wood, and lightwood oil from the wood are obtained by distillation with steam. The tree trunk exudes terpentine balsam, a sticky mixture of volatile oil and resin that solidifies on contact with air.
Constituents: Oil of turpentine differs according to species and the parts of the tree from which it is obtained. There are at least three kinds; the volatile oil from the needles and immature cones of Pinus silvestris contains a-pinene, limonene, dipentene and camphene.
Cosmetic Uses: Pinenes are important cosmetically, as the basic ingredient used to produce many scents. Oil of turpentine or decoctions of pine needles also form part of most bath additives, because they have disinfectant, refreshing and deodorant effects, and a beneficial effect on blood circulation. They can, however, cause an allergic reaction in very sensitive skin.
Other Uses: Firm and durable pinewood is widely used in the manufacture of furniture. It is also used in the production of cellulose and tar.
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