RELEVANT HISTORICAL RECORDS RELATING TO THE GROWTH OF Pinus pinea L. IN THE EAST MEDITERRANEAN BASIN

Pinus pinea L. is one of the species that, since the ancient times, has been widely planted and cultivated for its edible seeds throughout the Mediterranean basin. As a result, it is very difficult to establish the natural range of the species. The majority of the researchers believe that P pinea originates only from the westerly areas of the Mediterranean basin. However, an exhaustive review and analysis of bibliography brought enough relevant elements supporting that P pinea is native not only of the western part of the Mediterranean basin but also in the eastern part, too. The emphasis has been given on the study of ancient documents, the scripture, the archaeological findings and the ecological observations. Conclusively it is assumed that the three Peninsulas of South Europe and the intermediate areas could be included as areas of the natural range of P. pinea.