The pine tree is not an indigenous South African tree. There are 100 different species of pine tree, most of which originated in the northern hemisphere.

Pine trees are generally tall, coniferous and with a dark bark. They are either tall and triangular in shape of flat-topped. Umbrella pines are fairly widespread in the Western Cape.

Most pine trees flower in early summer. Both male and female flowers occur on the same tree. The pollen count of pine trees is often very high.