Prickly Pine

    (Bursaria incana)

Common on most parts of the Highlands, Prickly Pine only grows to about 6 or 7 metres high and 200mm diameter in the trunk. It appears to have gained it's name from the many characteristics it shares with most pinus species. It's bark is tessellated and loose and the outer layer oozes an extremely sticky sap when damaged. Branchlet stubs are found most of the way through the log and it's aroma is very similar to pine.

Unlike it's namesake, Prickly pine doesn't have obvious growth rings making the timber much nicer to work. If air dried in log form, it tends to split to the heart in just one place or not at all if the stresses are relieved by green turning. I haven't tried sawing it into board form but believe it would be very stable.

This lidded box was roughed out green and allowed to dry for 2 months before finishing. The timber machines, sands and finishes beautifully - 'tis a shame they don't grow a bit bigger!

Note: The cracks in the side of the box are not flaws in the timber but scars from a high speed altercation with the concrete floor following an over-zealous finishing cut on the base.

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