Pinus is a genus of approximately 120 species of monoecious, evergreen, coniferous trees or shrubs in the family Pinaceae, collectively known as Pines. They are widely distributed throughout the world particularly occurring in mountainous and arid conditions where they are able to thrive. Pines are a classic bonsai subject in Japan and the world over, they are not however, easy trees to care for and style without experience. Pines have their own growth patterns that differ greatly from deciduous and common coniferous species; these growth patterns need to be understood before successful styling and pruning can be carried out. Pines are not only used for bonsai in Japan, but they are also very often seen cloud-pruned in Japanese gardens.

Pinus tabuliformis, commonly known Manchurian Red pine, Southern Chinese Pine or Chinese Red Pine, is a small to medium sized evergreen pine tree native to northern China and northern Korea. Mature trees have a flat-topped crown giving it the name tabuliformis meaning table shaped. The timber is used for construction, poles, mine timber, ship building, and furniture. The trunk can be used as a source of resin and the bark for tannin. The pulpwood produces certain resins that are utilised as artificial vanilla flavouring (vanillin). The pine needles are used medicinally, which in addition contains a natural insecticide, as well as a source for a dye. The needles are used to brew pine needle tea.