Sumatran Pine

Overview

Pinus merkusii is a species of pine native to Southeast Asia and known as Pinus Sumatra, located in Indonesia, especially in northern Sumatra (Aceh, Tapanuli, and Kerinci). Indonesia is included in the top three countries for the production of P. merkusii resin. It has been used as a natural source of oleoresin and a raw material for the pulp and paper industry. This species produces a resin that can be used as an ingredient in traditional medicine, which is believed to treat skin disorders. The wood emits an aroma that can be used as aromatherapy and fragrances (perfume). According to the IUCN Red List, pine trees are vulnerable plants. The tree is classified as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2013). Timber trees are important and suppliers of resin, especially in Indonesia which are often planted. This tree also has various traditional medicinal uses. Pioneer species, inhabiting a variety of forest and savanna habitats. This tree is often used for rehabilitation of degraded areas due to its tolerance to fire and poor soil conditions. Potential as a natural source of antioxidants and anti-aging. Several studies reveal that pine has a high therapeutic value and potential as a medicine in the future because of its bioactivity, as an ornamental plant.

Vernacular Names

Pin à deux feuilles (French), Kiefer (German), Tinyuben (Myanmar), Tapulau (Philippines), Kai-plueak-dam (Thai).

Agroecology

Pinus merkusii is a humid tropical plant found at an altitude of sea level up to 2,000 m above sea level. It grows in areas where the average annual rainfall is in the range of 1,000 - 2,800 mm, sometimes up to 3,500 mm, and the average annual temperature is 21 - 28 °C with the average maximum temperature of the warmest month 24-32 °C and the average minimum temperature of the coldest month is 18 - 24 °C. Species that really need light. Tolerant to a wide range of soil types, including dry sandy soils, gravel soils, red tropical clays (latosols), loams, alluvial soils and acid ultisols on often poorly drained sandstones. Prefers a pH in the 4.5 - 5.5 range, tolerates 4 - 6.5. Established plants are resistant to drought and wind. grows on marginal lands. P. mercury is classified as a species that requires full sunlight (heliophytes type) in the process of growth. Reduced intensity and short time of sunlight received can inhibit tree growth.

Morphology

• Stems - straight and cylindrical, can be free from branches 15 - 25 m long, gray-brown, thick and cracked. The heartwood is yellowish-brown to orange with dark red veins and many resin channels, darkens when exposed to light, quite coarse in texture.
• Leaves - needle-shaped, slender but rigid, 16-25 cm long, and paired.
• Flowers - tubular (strobilus) that grows singly or in pairs, with a length of 5-11 cm.
• Seeds - small, thin-winged, ovate, easy to fall.

Cultivation

• Propagated by seeds and stem cuttings. Seeds germinate in 8 - 21 days. After about 8 months, the seedlings planted in the nursery, with a plant height of approximately 20 - 25 cm, are ready to be planted in the field.
• Propagation by tissue culture is also possible.
• Resin harvest can start about 15 years after planting.

Chemical Constituents

Allelopathic compounds terpenoids (monoterpene ɑ-pinene dan β-pinene), flavonoids (pinocembrin), phenols, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, triterpenoids, steroids.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

• Treating skin diseases (scabies, eczema, itching, wounds, sores, ulcers, etc.).
• Treating diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory complaints (cough, cold, influenza and tuberculosis). 
• Overcoming stress, relieving muscle pain, overcoming kidney and kidney complaints.
• Treating bladder (internal application), rheumatism (rub and steam bath).
• Has several biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal activity.