The annual rhythms of cambial and phellogen activity in Pinus halepensis and P pinea were investigated. Under natural conditions the cambium of P halepensis begins its activity in autumn, enters a quiescent period during midwinter, resurnes activity towards spring and enters a second rest period in summer. The ring border is formed during summer. Irrigated plants growing outdoors were active almost all the year round.The cambium of P pinea is active between April and November and enters a true winter dormancy.The duration of xylem production exceeded that of the phloem. More xylem than phloem cells were formed. The phellogen was active during a short period only.Pinus halepensis seems to follow the Mediterranean climate patterns whereas P pinea follows the pattern of a colder climate.