Editing Pinus pinaster (section)

==== Ecological interactions ====
[[Image:Pinus pinaster JPG2.jpg|thumb|right|Bark of ''P. pinaster''.|upright=1.11]]
''Pinus pinaster'' is particularly successful in regions with fynbos vegetation because it is adapted to high-intensity fires, thus allowing it to outcompete other species that are not as well adapted to high-intensity fires. In areas of fire-prone shrubland, the cones of ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' will release seeds when in a relatively high-temperature environment for [[germination]] as a recovery mechanism. This adaptation increases the competitive ability of ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' amongst other species in the fire-prone shrubland.<ref name="Richardson" />  In a 3-year observational study done in [[Spain|Northwestern Spain]], ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' showed a naturally high [[Regeneration (biology)|regeneration]] rate.<ref name="Calvo">{{cite journal |last=Calvo |first=L |title=Post-fire natural regeneration of a ''Pinus pinaster'' forest in NW Spain |journal=Plant Ecology |year=2008 |volume=197 |issue=1 |pages=81–90 |doi=10.1007/s11258-007-9362-1 |bibcode=2008PlEco.197...81C |hdl=10612/3917 |trans-title=Plant Ecology|hdl-access=free }}</ref> Observations showed a mean of 25.25 seedlings per square metre within the first year and then slowly decreased the next two years due to [[intraspecific competition]].<ref name="Calvo" />  So not only does ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' compete with other species, they also compete within their own species as well. When the height of ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' increased there was a negative correlation with the number of ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' [[seedlings]], results showed a decrease in ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' seedlings (r=–0.41, p<0.05).<ref name="Calvo" />

Several other characteristics contribute to their success in the regions they have invaded, including their ability to grow rapidly and to produce small seeds with large [[Conifer cone|wings]]. Their ability to grow quickly with short juvenile periods allows them to [[Competition (biology)|outcompete]] many native species while their small seeds aids in their dispersal. The small seeds with large wings are beneficial for wind dispersal, which is the key to reaching new areas in regions with fynbos vegetation.<ref name="Richardson" /> [[Vertebrate]] seed dispersers are not commonly found in mountain fynbos vegetation; therefore those species that require the aid of vertebrate dispersal would be at a disadvantage in such an environment. For this reason, the small seed, low seed wing loading, and high winds found in mountainous regions all combine to provide a favorable situation for the dispersal of ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' seeds.<ref name="Richardson" />  Without this efficient dispersal strategy, ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' would not have been able to reach and invade areas, such as South Africa, that are suitable for its growth. Its dispersal ability is one of the key factors that have allowed ''P. pinaster'' to become such a successful invasive species.<ref name="Richardson" />

In addition to being an efficient disperser, ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' is known to produce [[Resins|oleoresins]], such as oily [[terpenes]] or [[fatty acids]], which can inhibit other species within the community from growing.<ref name="Santalla">{{cite journal |last=Calvo |first=L |title=Regeneration after wildfire in communities dominated by ''Pinus pinaster'', an obligate seeder, and in others dominated by ''Quercus pyrenaica'', typical resprouter |journal=Forest Ecology and Management |year=2003 |volume=184 |issue=1 |pages=209–223 |doi=10.1016/S0378-1127(03)00207-X |bibcode=2003ForEM.184..209C |trans-title=Forest Ecology and Management}}</ref> These resins are produced as a defense mechanism against [[insect]] predators, such as the large [[pine weevil]]. According to an experiment done in [[Spain]], the [[resin canal]] density was twice as high in the ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' seedlings attacked by the weevils compared to the unattacked seedlings. Since ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' has the ability to regulate their production of defense mechanisms, it can protect itself from predatory in an energy-efficient manner. The resins make the ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' less vulnerable to damage from insects, but they are only produced in high concentrations when ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' is under attack. In other words, ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' does not waste energy producing resins in safe conditions, so the conserved energy can be used for growth or reproduction. These characteristics enhance the ability of ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' survive and flourish in the areas it invades.<ref name="Krebs">{{cite book |last=Krebs |first=C |title=Ecology |year=2009 |trans-title=Pearson}}</ref> Both the traits of ''P.&nbsp;pinaster'' and the habitat in South Africa are conducive to the success of ''P. pinaster'' in this region of the world.