Pine

Pines are a type of cone-bearing tree, found growing on the Montesuvian mountain range in La Rossa. Evergreen plants, several species have been observed growing around the island at several levels of altitude. Reaching heights of up to 8 meters in the higher mountains, shorter shrubbery instead dominaters near the warmer coastline. They are characterized most easily by their needle-like leaves, found in all species.

Description

Pines are evergreen, cone-bearing plants. A grouping of several different plant species, they are united in the several basic properties which envelop all of them. Their needle-shaped green leaves, shown to help in preserving moisture in both the warm, mostly rainless climate of the coastline, and the cold mountaintops. Their cones, serving a purpose similar to other plant seeds, have a role in the reproduction of the species. Finally, their adhesive and viscous pine resin, which serves a role in the protection of the tree and the healing of its wounds.

Ranging in size across species, the Rossan pine trees generally do not extend in height past 6-8 meters, with most trees remaining at most 4 meters tall. The shrubbery of the coastline, extending more into width than into height, usually stays in the range of 30-60 centimeters in height, and up to 4 meters in width for a single specimen.

Usage

Due to its relative durability and sturdiness, pinewood has found a role in construction and furniture, and has thus produced a significant logging industry. Mostly concentrated in Lorma, it has found success due to the city-province's mountainous, but mostly low-altitude terrain, enabling access to taller, higher quality species. A plantation industry has also taken off in the lowlands of Buglio, although the more expensive mountain pines tend to be more attractive to customers due to their higher-associated status.

The viscous resin produced by the trees has found a variety of uses in the production of industrial and consumer solvents and adhesives. Due to its stronger adhesive properties nearer the coastline, most likely an adaptation to the more powerful winds that had dominated it during the storm, resin used for industrial purposes is mostly extracted from shrubbery, although at lower yields.

The heating of pinewood leads to the production of two useful substances, charcoal, with a capability for fuel, and tar, used as a water sealant. Both have seen great use in the Rossan shipbuilding industry, allowing for the powering and travel of boats in the recent era, and preventing their sinkage, respectively.