An Analysis of Variability in Pinus contorta

Abstract

Three methods of multivariate analysis are described, and are applied to nineteen variables measured on each of nine provenances of Pinus contorta . The analysis confirms the broad division of P. contorta into inland and coastal provenances, but suggests an independent classification which accounts for an even greater degree of botanical variation. A third classification shows promise of indicating provenances with desirable timber properties. The analysis also suggests that six botanical variables may be worth including in any wider survey of P. contorta provenances.