A broad, open-crowned pine growing to 8-15 m tall. Bark dark gray to black with deep furrows and flat, scaly ridges. Twigs very stout, smooth, green becoming black with age. Leaves evergreen needles, 8 to 13 inches long, 5 per fascicle, tufted near the ends of branches; stout, stiff, and dark green, with many stomatal bands. Flowers monoecious; male cones are yellow and borne in heads; female cones are reddish and stalked. Fruits large woody cones (4 to 6 inches) with thick scales ending in a thick, straight spine; almost round when open.
The turpentine obtained from the resin of the tree is used internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic affections. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so is useful in treating diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory complaints such as coughs, colds, influenza and TB. Externally it is a very beneficial treatment for a variety of skin complaints, wounds, sores, burns, boils etc and is used in the form of liniment plasters, poultices, herbal steam baths and inhalers.
Health Remedies 
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