The Umbrella pines of Table Mountain

What is the tree with the umbrella

shaped crown found on the lower

slopes of Table Mountain?

Many visitors to Cape Town are struck by the peculiar shaped tree that is found in quite large numbers all around the lower slopes of Table Mountain. It has a flattish crown and very few branches lower down giving it a sort of umbrella shape.

A stand of umbrella pines on Table Mountain

The tree in question is not indigenous to Cape Town but was planted extensively in the 1700’s and has become very much part of the landscape of the area.

Stone pines on Lions Head

A native of the the Latin name for the tree is Pinus pinea. Common names vary from Stone pine, to Italian stone pine to umbrella pine.

Explre Table Mountain and learn about the fynbos plant kingdom on a guided hike with Ridgway Ramblers

By Binny|April 5th, 2012|Table Mountain trees and plants|

About the Author: Binny

Binny Ridgway was born and bred in the English Lake District, and developed a passion for “the great outdoors” at an early age.Her knowledge of the mountains of the Western Cape and especially that of Table Mountain is legendary, as is her knowledge of the indigenous flora and fauna of the area.

Binny of Ridgway Ramblers offers an amazing hiking experience on Table Mountain! A walk up Table Mountain is a must do if you are a visitor to Cape Town.

Binny, the guide was the BEST! I enjoyed this hike so much. I would definitely do it again an I would recommend it to everyone who loves a good hike!!!!

We had such an enjoyable experience with Binny. From rock climbing/hiking to site seeing and many fascinating history lessons. Binny seems to know it all. She could tell us every type of plant, species of animal/insect/bug etc.

My daughter and I are Canadians visiting beautiful South Africa. Climbing Table Mountain was on our must do list. We both had a great time hiking with Binny.

We had a wonderful morning hiking with Binny. She was really knowledgable and shared lots of interesting information. She was very organised - and brought along water, juice, snacks and hats. We would highly recommend her and we would use her again.