Q. Consider the following characteristics of a tree species:

1. The wood is classified as softwood.
2. The tree can thrive with very little water and is well-suited to water-deficient areas.
3. It inhibits the growth of undergrowths such as edible grasses and plants.
4. It has been linked to the occurrence of recent forest fires in Uttarakhand.

Which one of the following is the species being referred to?
Answer: Chir Pine
Notes: The correct answer is Chir Pine. Chir Pine (textit{Pinus roxburghii}) provides softwood, grows in dry, hilly areas needing little water, suppresses undergrowth by acidic leaf litter, and has been widely reported as contributing to forest fires in Uttarakhand due to its highly inflammable resin and dry needles.