Growth and longevity in Canary pine (Pinus canariensis Smith.)

Abstract

This paper exposes the major results we have obtained in the dendrochronological and dendroecological analysis of Pinus canariensis that we have been developing in the Canary Islands since several years ago. We analyse the variability in tree ring formation based on a wide sampling from several natural pine forests. Applying several synchronisation techniques, recurrent dysfunctions in cambial activity resulting in total or partial missing rings have been established, and, when possible, local and individual chronologies have been built. We also analyse representative growing patterns and trends and we estimate the age structure in forest populations where dated sequences have been available. Finally, we estimate the dendrochronological age of certain monument trees by a new original method.