Editing Pinus cembra (section)

== Description ==
The Swiss pine is a member of the [[Pinus classification|white pine]] group, ''Pinus'' subgenus ''Strobus'', and like all members of that group, the [[leaf|leaves]] ('needles') are in fascicles (bundles) of five, with a deciduous sheath. The mature size is typically between {{convert|25|m|ft}} and {{convert|35|m|ft}} in height, and the trunk diameter can be up to {{convert|1.5|m|ft}}. However, it grows very slowly and it may take 30 years for the tree to reach {{convert|1.3|m|ft}}.{{fact|date=January 2023}} The [[conifer cone|cones]], which contain the seeds (or nuts), of the Swiss pine are {{convert|4|cm|in}} to {{convert|8|cm|in}} long. Cones take 2 years (24 months) to mature. The {{convert|8|mm|in}} to {{convert|12|mm|in}} long [[seed]]s have only a vestigial wing and are dispersed by [[spotted nutcracker]]s. The species is long-lasting and can reach an age between 500 and 1000 years.<ref name="ulber04" />

In its natural environment, this tree usually reaches [[reproductive maturity]] at the age of 50 years (even 80 years, if the conditions are more extreme). 

The very similar [[Siberian pine]] (''Pinus sibirica'') is treated as a variety or subspecies of Swiss pine by some botanists. The Siberian pine differs in having slightly larger cones, being more massive (taller, wider trunk), having a faster growth rate and needles with three [[resin]] canals instead of two as in the Swiss pine.
[[File:Swiss stone pine (pinus cembra) bark.jpg|left|thumb|260x260px|Bark of middle-aged ''Pinus cembra'']]
<gallery mode="packed" heights="170">
File:Pinus cembra cones in Gröden crop.jpg|Cones of ''Pinus cembra''
File:Fresh Pinus cembra cone in June.jpg|Close-up of an immature cone from a cultivated ''Pinus cembra''
File:Pinus cembra cone dried.jpg|Close-up of a mature cone from a cultivated ''Pinus cembra''
File:Pinus cembra seedling planted for pine nut production.jpg|5-year-old ''Pinus cembra'' seedling planted for [[pine nut]] production, [[Baldone]], [[Latvia]]
File:Bark of an young Arolla pine.jpg|[[Bark (botany)|Bark]] of a young ''Pinus cembra'', [[National Botanic Garden of Latvia]]
File:Pinus cembra coupe MHNT.jpg|Cross-section of ''Pinus cembra'' - 181 years - [[MHNT]]
File:Swiss pine (Pinus cembra) 'Columnaris' cone.jpg|''Pinus cembra'' 'Columnaris' (cultivar) one year-old cone and foliage
</gallery>