DESCRIPTION: It is an evergreen somewhat branchy tree, reaching a height of 17-20 m or even 27 m and a girth of 2-2.6 m or up to 4 m. Crown usually deep, wide and open with long, erect branches, but crown narrower and shallower in dense forest. Bark very flaky, peeling to reveal light greyish-green patches. USE: It is cultivated for its edible seed. GROWING PERIOD: Perennial. COMMON NAMES: Chilgoza pine, Himalayan edible pine, Chilghoza, Chujin, Mirri, Ri. FURTHER INF: In eastern Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, Jammu-Kashmir and Tibet it can be found between 32-36°N at elevations from 2000 to 3600 m. It is a hardy tree, standing excessive drought and high winds. Endures severe cold in the winter.
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