Page 22 - NIRVANA OF NATURE ANTALYA

Red Pine

"A 23 million year tale"

The red pines (Pinus brutia Ten.) you see in the gar- elongated needle-like leaves provide a readily identi-
den of Nirvana Hotels also have a remarkable story fiable characteristic. Notably, red pine trees form pure
to tell. The red pine tree holds a significant place in forests in the regions they inhabit, playing a crucial
Antalya's natural history. Adapted to the harsh kars- role in protecting vital water resources.
tic structure of the Taurus and Beydağları Mountains,
the red pine thrives amidst heat and drought, playing Red pine, a source of kindling, possesses a high
a crucial role in maintaining the region's ecological flammability. However, in an intriguing adaptation,
balance. these trees exhibit a remarkable ability to protect
themselves from wildfires. Their seeds, surviving
Scientific studies demonstrate that the red pine has amidst the post-fire maquis shrubland, embark on a
existed in Anatolia for 23 million years. Today, Tür- journey of regeneration, gradually reconstituting the-
kiye boasts the world's most extensive red pine fo- ir pure forests over approximately two decades. Red
rests, with the Antalya-Muğla region at the forefront. pine, in a sense, resembles the phoenix of the trees,
Consequently, it is known as the "Turkish Pine" in rising from the ashes to reclaim its verdant splendor.
European geography. The red pine derives its name
from its striking red-colored shoots. The mystical properties of the red pine and its
unique role in the cycle of nature have made it an
Red pine trees exhibit impressive heights, typically important part of many mythological stories and tra-
reaching between 20 and 25 meters. These majestic ditional medicine since ancient times. Since ancient
trees boast a remarkable distribution, thriving in co- times, people have believed in the health and vita-
astal areas and adapting to elevations of up to 1200 lity-giving properties of this tree and have used its
meters within our country. While sensitive to cold aromatic essence. This unique tree is not only a part
weather conditions, they demonstrate exceptional re- of Anatolia but also a mysterious entity that nourishes
silience to heat and arid climates. Their slender and the souls and bodies of people.

NIRVANA MEDITERRANEAN EXCELLENCE

DNA DOĞANIN NİRVANASI ANTALYA 23