P. elliottii var. densa differs in a number of ways from var. elliottii (Little and Dorman, 1954);it is characterized by a grass-like, almost stemless stage that lasts for 2 to 6 years. It has a restricted range, a less desirable tree form than var. elliottii, and is more difficult to regenerate. As a result, almost all information available relates to var. elliottii.
Related invasive species
- Pinus elliottii
Related Farm Practice
- Invasive alien species
Pinus elliottii var. elliottii, commonly known as slash pine, is an important timber tree species native to the lower coastal plain within the southeastern USA. Trees grow up to 36 m in height and 0.9 m in diameter, producing a long, clear bole. Because of its rapid early growth and production of highly valuable wood products, it has been widely introduced into other countries. As an exotic, it is used in Africa, especially southern Africa, and in Australia and South America for various products, ranging from lumber to pulpwood. In Brazil, P. elliottii makes an important contribution to the resin production industry. Where it has been planted outside its native range it has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized, and in some areas become an aggressive invasive weed, threatening native species and ecosystems. Trees can form dense stands that shade out other plant species.
P. elliottii can form dense stands that shade out other plant species. In Australia it is particularly common in eucalypt woodland areas. In Hawaii, Poa mannii, a federally listed endangered endemic grass growing only on the island of Kauai, is threatened by competition from P. elliottii and other alien invasive plant species (US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2010).