Pine Parenthood
Posted by Kerry Olson on June 24, 2006
Q: What makes the Ponderosa Pine bark small like vanilla? Is it the resin? What is the ecological benefit of having such a smell?
Habitat: forest/open woods
State: Washington
Habitat: forest/open woods
A: Interesting question. I don't have a quick answer for you but would assume that the same kinds of chemicals found in vanilla extract are also found in the bark of the Ponderosa Pine. I believe it is the resin and this odor is most noticeable when the trunk is warmed by the sun. I don't think there is any "benefit" to the vanilla smell but the chemical that produces this odor may have some properties that protect the tree from insects, for example. Of course, it could be too that this odor is neither a benefit nor a detriment to the tree and is simply there. Would be interesting to look more closely at these chemicals to see what their value, if any, might be. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( June 26, 2006)