Species Identification - Mondel or Afghan Pine
Image
Pinus eldarica (Mondel or Afghan Pine)
Mondels are commonly used as Christmas trees each year. They are easier to spot in the landscape because of their ladder-like branching structure.
Image
When young they look very similar to Aleppo pines. It's difficult to differentiate between them, but a difference to look out for is in the branch tips or candles. The needles on a Mondel pine emerge from the candle as it elongates. So, the candle looks thick and lush as it grows and expands. An Aleppo pine appears more skinny, the needles do not fully emerge until after elongation.
Image
Image
Mondels have two needles per fascicle that are generally between five and six inches long.
Image
