Swiss pine

This very slow-growing Russian pine can withstand the harshest frosts, is the last tree at many tree lines (the so-called combat zone), and can live to be 1000 years old. The "humming" of such a strong pine naturally activates folk beliefs; the tree has a special significance from Russia to North America. Native Americans used the branches to fill their mattresses to ward off insects and other vermin. This is not at all strange, as the wood, needles, and resin have antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal (moth-repelling!) properties, partly due to the volatile pinosylvin (0.5%). This substance contributes to the typical scent and promotes well-being and good health. The seeds are edible as pine nuts, and a delicious pine oil is made from the needles, which also has disease-preventing properties; just look it up online.

Names:
Latin: Pinus cembra
Dutch: Zirbelden
Also known as: Zirbel
English: Swiss stone pine