The Origin of Imported Pinus elliottii Seedlots Planted in South Africa: A Historical Investigation

Abstract

The earliest importations of seed of Pinus elliottii into South Africa were of unknown origin. This seed was used to establish plantations in Zululand which became the only source of locally collected P. elliottii seed for afforestation until substantial quantities of seed became available in the 1970s from local seed orchards established with clones selected in stands of known American origin. Because, however, many of the more recent selections in Zululand, being used to establish a separate Zululand breeding population, have been selected in stands established with seed from these first seedlots or their progeny, it is of considerable interest to know the origin of these first importations.