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State Trees
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The term floral emblem, which refers to flowers specifically,
is primarily used in Australia and Canada. In the United States, the term state flower
is more often used. |
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New Mexico Symbols
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New Mexico State Tree
Pinyon
(Pinaceae Pinus edulis)
Adopted on March 16, 1949.
When the New Mexico Federation of Women's Clubs was asked to select a state tree, the pinyon, Pinaceae Pinus edulis, was their choice. It was adopted on March 16, 1949, the same day the roadrunner was adopted as the state bird. Ten years later, Nevada adopted the single-leaf pinyon.
Description of the New Mexico State Tree
Pinyon (Pinus edulis) is a small, drought-hardy, long-lived tree widespread in the southwestern United States. Its common name is derived from the Spanish piņon which refers to the large seed of pino (pine). For this reason the tree is known in the Southwest and throughout its range by this Spanish equivalent (49). Other common names are Colorado pinyon, nut pine, two-needle pinyon, and two-leaf pinyon (50). Its heavy, yellow wood is used primarily for fuel. Because of their delicate flavor its seeds are in much demand, making them its most valuable product.
Identification
- Leaf: Usually two needles per fascicle. Needles are coarse, thick, curved, blue-green or yellow-green, stiff, and one to two inches long.
- Flower: Monoecious; males red, cylindrical, in clusters near ends of branches; females purplish at branch tips.
- Fruit: Cones are ovoid, 2 inches long, short stalked, brown in color, with very thick cone scales. Each scale contains two very large edible "pine nuts". Maturing in September and October.
- Twig: Stout and orange-brown, somewhat scraggly.
- Bark: Scaly or with small plates, red brown to gray.
- Form: A small tree with an irregular rounded crown.
Statute
New Mexico Statutes and Court Rules
Statutory Chapters in New Mexico Statutes Annotated 1978
CHAPTER 68 Timber
CHAPTER 12
Miscellaneous Public Affairs Matters
State Seal, Song and Symbols, 12-3-1 through 12-3-17.
C. The nut pine or pinon tree, scientifically known as Pinus edulis, is adopted as the official tree
of New Mexico.
Taxonomic Hierarchy of the Pinyon
| Kingdom |
Plantae -- Plants |
| Subkingdom |
Tracheobionta -- Vascular plants |
| Superdivision |
Spermatophyta – Seed plants |
| Division |
Coniferophyta – Conifers |
| Class |
Pinopsida – |
| Order |
Pinales – |
| Family |
Pinaceae – Pine family |
| Genus |
Genus Pinus L. – pine |
| Species |
Pinus edulis Engelm. – twoneedle pinyon |
Source:
Dendrology at Virginia Tech
US Department of Agriculture
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State Trees
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All of the state
trees, except the Hawaii state tree, are native to the state in which they are designated.
tree \ˈtrē\
noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English trēow; akin to Old Norse trē tree, Greek
drys, Sanskrit dāru wood
Date: before 12th century
1 a: a woody perennial plant having a single usually elongate main stem generally
with few or no branches on its lower part
b: a shrub or herb of arborescent form <rose trees> <a
banana tree> |
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