Scots pine (lat. Pinus sylvestris), also known as Scotch pine, Baltic pine, is a conifer with leaves that look like needles. It is widespread in various areas in Europe due to its great adaptability to all climates. However, it is particularly sensitive to forest fires.

The Scots pine was spread in the Rhodopes, and especially in the forest of Elatia, after the end of World War I. Until then, the area was an extensive pasture, used by nomads, and farmers, mainly of Sarakatsani origin, especially in the summer. Soon after the area was abandoned by farmers, wild boars digging the ground in search of worms created the conditions for the germination of Scots pine seeds. The result was the widespread growing of Scots pines into an area of ​​about 40,000 acres.

The Scots pine prepared the ground for the more demanding species of Norway spruce to grow in the area.