Pinus x holfordiana is a hybrid between the Mexican White Pine, Pinus ayacahuite, and the Blue Pine, Pinus wallichiana. It arose at Westonbirt Arboretum (owned and planted by the Holford family around 1904).
![A branch of Pinus x holfordiana.](https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/assets.botanic.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Pinus-x-holfordiana-10006588-A-8-1024x678.jpg)
Pinus x holfordiana
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In growth, it most closely resembles Pinus wallichiana, and has formed a tall tree in the Old Pinetum. The cones, however, are quite different and are produced in great banana-like bunches a handspan long, curved and nut-brown.
![Pinus x holfordiana, showing new growth.](https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/assets.botanic.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/pinus-x-holfordiana-new-growth-1024x768.jpg)
New growth
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Each overlapping pointed scale flares out slightly and is tipped by a globule of resin which sparkles in the sun. There are usually fallen cones on the ground, but be aware, they are incredibly sticky!