Pinus pinea is known as the stone pine or the umbrella pine. It is an impressive tree with long dark needles and large cones. It is found throughout the island but commoner in the Glossa peninsula. The seeds of the tree are found in pairs on the upper surface of the cone scales surrounded by a dusty black coating. The seeds known as pine nuts have been eaten around the Mediterranean since prehistoric times and are now considered to be a valuable culinary ingredient used in both sweet and savoury dishes.