About Pinus occidentalis Sw.
Nomenclature and Common Names
Pinus occidentalis Sw., commonly called the Hispaniolan pine, Hispaniola pine, or pino criollo, is a species of pine tree that is endemic to the island of Hispaniola, which is shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Ecosystem Role
It is the namesake species of the Hispaniolan pine forests ecosystem, where it makes up the majority of the total biomass present.
Associated Fauna Interaction
Another endemic species found on the island, the Hispaniolan crossbill (Loxia megaplaga), feeds almost entirely on the cones of Pinus occidentalis.
