The Macedonian Pine, (Pinus peuce Grisebach) in the Balkans and Great Britain

Macedonian pine is little known in Britain as a forest tree.Information comes mainly from its native range in the Balkanmountains, and from specimen trees and young forest plots inBritain. Following a visit in 1982 to Yugoslavia and Bulgaria,the author describes the site conditions and ecological relationsof this species to Scots pine, Norway spruce and Silver fir.Early growth is characteristically slow, even on favourablesites, though it improves after 6–10 years and basal areaincrement may later exceed that of other pines. Growth and behaviourin British stands (mainly 20 years old, but a few older ones)is recorded. Stands of P. peuce are typically healthy and haveexcellent form. Insect and fungal damage is minimal. Early timbertests show specific gravity and strength are low, but the woodis very stable in drying and could have a use in joinery. Seedfrom selected stands will now be used for provenance testing.