Parry pine, Four-leaved nut pine
Pinus quadrifolia

Family: Pinaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 8-15 m tall. The trunk can be 40 cm across. The bark is thick and rough. The leaves or needles are in groups of 4-5. They are 3-5 cm long and dark green and shiny. The cones open to 5-7 cm across and have seeds attached to the scales. The seeds are 10-14 mm long and have a thin shell.

It is now a rare species.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The nuts are ground and mixed with water and used as a drink. The cooked, unshelled nuts are stored for later use.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, nuts

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Four-needle pinyon, Pinonero parry

Synonyms

Pinus cembroides subsp. parryana (Engelm.) E. Murray; Pinus cembroides var. quadrifolia (Parl. ex Sudw.) Silba; and others