Similar to P. pinea but native to the Himalayan Mountains, thriving at altitudes of up to 4000 m
above sea level. It reaches heights of 30 m and widths of 5 m. It is frost resistant but said to be drought tender. It is moderately lime tolerant but not suited to shallow chalk soils.
The seeds are sometimes eaten, as is a manna - like substance which exudes from the leaves and twigs. The manna is also sometimes used to adulterate honey.