Please Identify If possible

Hi All,

I am new to Bonsai, and someone mentioned to me that you can grow from cuttings, I just wanted to test and see what would happen. I got a cutting from a Pine, unfortunately the Pine is fairly far from me, and didnt think to take a picture at the time. I planted it, and it seems to be growing roots, so I'm just curious as to how it will grow. I planted about just over a month ago.

I managed to grab a bad image off Google Maps, but its the same species, just a smaller version, as I cant get to the tree on Google maps, But its behind this one.

Any assistance will be Great. I am in Cape Town, South Africa

Best I can do from those pictures

1. Needles 2 in a sheath
bannksiana-Jack Pine
nigra austriaca-Austrian Pine
densiflora-Japanese Red Pine
pinaster-Cluster Pine
densiflorra oculus-dranconis pungens-Table Mountain Pine
densiflora umbraculifera resinosn.
echinata-Shortleaf Pine
sylvestris -Scotch Pine
mugo-Swiss Mountain Pine
thunbergi-Japanese Black Pine
virgininana-Virginia Pin

Hello Krillin
Hopefully one of our South Africa members will be able to give you help.

I know in South Africa, Pinus radiata, and several hybrids from Pinus radiata are used for timber plantations. Some have naturalized themselves in your area. Possibly it is one of the hybrids. You have one of the sub-tropical 2 needle pines. They all require pretty much the same care to grow well. In your reading, look for care instructions for Japanese Black pine, Pinus thunbergii, and follow the care instructions.

In general, true pines, such as the tree you too cuttings from, rarely make roots from cuttings. It is not impossible, but in general, it is a low probability event. But as long as it is still green, there is a chance. I once had a pine tree cutting survive, stay green and fresh for 2 full years without forming roots. If they do root, it may not root until the second year, so if it is still green, don't give up. Your probability of success is low, maybe 1 or 2 %, but like I said, once in a while we can get lucky.

For the genus Pinus, I would consider picking up an inexpensive young tree from a local landscape nursery and try learning with that one.

There are other, more easily grown conifers that would give you quicker results. Consider one of the ones offered at local landscape nurseries. These will be adapted to your climate. Hopefully one of this forums members from South Africa will give you some guidance here. Welcome to an interesting life long hobby.

Hello Krillin,

You might also look into Pinus pinea, stone pine, as species candidate for your tree.  Stone pine is native to the Mediterranean but has naturalized in the Cape and is quite common there.  The shape of the tree you posted is consistent with stone pine.

But of luck!
David B.

Great....thanks for the responses gents