Umbrella Pine

The Umbrella Pine (Pinus pinea), also known as the Italian Stone Pine, are tall, canopy-like pine trees native to the Mediterranean region. Anyone who has ever been to Rome has most likely noticed them near the Colosseum and Roman Forum. A visit paid in the summer months would have made it additionally probable that you even sought their shady protection from the severe Roman sun. In fact, it has been said that the Romans planted the umbrella pine throughout their empire along the roads to offer travelers a bit of respite from the heat of the day.  Umbrella Pines, however, offer more than just shade. They are also responsible for giving us pine nuts, the delicious buttery seeds that humans have been enjoying since the Late Stone Age.