The pine forest is a formation dominated by the Canary Island pine (Pinus canariensis) and, generally, has rather poor underbrush. It is found above altitudes of 1300-1500 m on the north-facing slopes of the islands, or 500-600 m on the southern slopes, under the influence of dry winds (low humidity), and can be as high as 2000-2300 m above sea level. The Canary Island pine produces the most extensive forests in the archipelago: on the most mountainous islands (Tenerife, La Palma, Gran Canaria) it forms a crown around the summits. It is also an important species on El Hierro, although this pine only appears occasionally on La Gomera. This formation adapts well to adverse conditions (soils that are acidic, highly eroded, stony, etc.) and grows in zones with very different climates, as it tolerates both high and low temperatures (including frosts), as well as either scarce or abundant precipitation. These differences are so evident that they have resulted in at least three types of pine forests, depending on the environmental conditions. The first is the humid pine zone, found in regions influenced by the trade winds on the north- and northeast-facing slopes of the islands, above the Monteverde forest. This is a very well-developed forest, very thick and includes many old pines. The dry pine zone is more open than the humid pine and represents the largest wooded expanse in the archipelago, as it is situated on the southern slopes above the thermophilous forests. The significant regression of the thermophilous forest in the south is, possibly, the reason this pine formation begins at lower levels than would potentially correspond to this woodland. Lastly, is the summit pine zone, located at the highest levels, above altitudes of 1800 m, and which is therefore exposed to a great deal of insolation and strong winds. The flora of this pine forest is enriched by high-mountain species such as the Canary Islands juniper (Juniperus cedrus) and the tagaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus).
