New Findings on the Natural Vertical Distribution of Turkish Red Pine (Pinus brutia Ten.)

Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) is an important forest tree species found in many countries across the Eastern Mediterranean basin. In Türkiye, the red pine has its widest distribution in the Mediterranean Region, in areas under the influence of a maritime climate. This study aims to reveal and introduce the new vertical distribution elevation of the P.brutia, one of Türkiye's most important tree species. Thus, it aims to contribute to the knowledge regarding the natural distribution of the species. The newly identified vertical distribution of red pines was determined at an elevations of 1693 m and 1698 m on the southwest aspect of Dede Mountain in the village of Yukarıkükür, Anamur District, Mersin Province, at UTM 36S 473647 -4013298 and 473550-4013417. These findings are of considerable importance, as they represent a marginal population of Turkish red pine occurring at the highest altitudinal distribution known worldwide.