ABSTRACT
The pine family originated and diversified in the Mesozoic supercontinent of Laurasia. Various of its genera have remained widespread in the present northern hemisphere vegetation: Abies, Picea, Larix, Tsuga, as well as the two genera discussed individually, Pinus and Pseudotsuga. Many species grow rapidly into tall trees. The wood is comparatively homogeneous, soft, strong for its weight, and has been indispensable to many ancient and modem tribes and nations.
