Pines are native to most of the northern hemisphere, ranging from the arctic to the equator. The highest diversity is found in Mexico and California. Most pines have quite small seeds, but those that have larger seeds have been favourites of many cultures on several continents. Pines are evergreen and resinous. They grow well in acid soils, some also on calcareous soils; most require good soil drainage, preferring sandy soils, but a few will tolerate poorly drained wet soils. A few are able to sprout after forest fires. Several species are adapted to extreme conditions imposed by elevation and latitude; see e.g. Siberian Dwarf Pine. The pinyon pines and a number of'others are particularly well adapted to growth in hot, dry semi-desert climates.
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