The Stone Pine ( also called the Umbrella pine) is native to S. Europe, North Africa & the Levant. It is prized for its edible Pine Nuts, which have been consumed & traded since prehistoric times. The cones are broad ovoid & take 36 months to mature, longer than any other pine. The needles are acidic & form a carpet at the base, preventing the growth of rival plants. Pines are associated with the Life Force & in Greece were often dedicated to Pan.

The Tulip Tree is the tallest Eastern Hardwood Tree. It is native to the USA & another species is found in China. It is now rare in the wild. Remains of the tree are found in Tertiary rocks, & in the Cretatious it was widespread over N. America & Europe. American Indians used the timber for their canoes & it is often called the Canoe Tree. The flowers resemble tulips, & when over they retain the central cone for the rest of the year.