A tall, straight tree with a dense cone-shaped crown. The bark is smooth and pale grey with blisters of pitch. Needles have blunt ends and are usually notched at the tip. They are dark green with a groove on the upper surface and have two silvery bands on the lower surface. Seed cones are deep purple and are held upright on branches at the top of the tree. The cones fall apart while still on the tree, leaving a central spike that is visible into winter. Pollen cones are reddish.

Tonic (bark); antiscorbutic, diuretic, stimulant and tonic (resin); antiscorbutic (leaf)

Plants for a Future

To treat stomach ailments, TB, haemorrhoids and various minor complaints (bark); to treat colds, sore throats, for burns, bruises, wounds and sores (resin)