The last tree in this series is the Stone Pine – not a common garden tree, in this country.
They commonly grow in Mediterranean countries. If you have visited Rome you will have seen them in gardens and along roadsides; tall trees with a pine leaf canopy at the top. The young plants – like the one in the photo, are a bushy globe. They then grow a thick trunk with an umbrella canopy. As mature trees they can grow up to 25metres in height with a broad flat crown with a span of up to 8metres. (We might have competition with the Redwood mentioned a few weeks ago!)
These trees are known for their fruit which are pine nuts, commonly used in cooking.
As we celebrate Easter and Jesus’ resurrection, promising us new life, so we can see the potential in this small tree to reach great heights and to spread wide.
What new shoots are sprouting up, what potential is there in our lives and how wide can we spread the wonderful good news that Jesus IS alive!?
Prayer: How wonderful Jesus, to hear the news that you have conquered death, that you are risen and alive in all who believe in you. May we throw out new growth, young shoots and may we grow strong and upright as believers. May we spread the canopy wide touching others and sharing the good the of the risen Lord! Amen