The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) - an evergreen coniferous tree, growing up to 35 m in height - is one of the most important forest trees in Europe. It is a transcontinental species, native to Europe and Asia, where it can be found in pine-only or mixed-tree forests. In harsh conditions (sand dunes, bogs, high mountains) it may grow in a bushy form. Crowns of the trees growing densely are loose and high, while trees growing loosely have their crowns dense, wide, in an umbrella-like shape. A straight trunk, up to its high section, is free from any side shoots. The upper trunk is covered with smooth and thin outer bark, which is copper-brown and flaky. The lower trunk has visibly thick, grey-brown bark, which is cracked and furrowed. Pine shoots, which are bare and green-brown, can be divided into long-shoots and short-shoots. Pine needles, bundled in fascicles of two, are rigid, sharp at their ends and prickly to the touch. Small, brown cones are produced singly or in clusters of two or three. The Scots pine is not a demanding tree. It provides valuable and durable resinous wood for construction and paper industries.

Scots pines belong to the most common conifers in the world. These trees are able to withstand harsh natural conditions and adapt appropriately, like entrepreneurs of the Rybnik region. Scots pines grow in warm and cold countries alike, shooting up proudly. This pride has spread contagiously to the inhabitants of the Rybnik region, who are working hard to build their regional businesses, supported by the efficient administration and financing system. Pines have the deepest root system of all coniferous trees in Poland. It ensures stability, which is equally important for the inhabitants of the Rybnik region, who respect family, social and business values. A wide system of vertical roots, in turn, guarantees their close assimilation with the surroundings, encouraging business people to strengthen their mutual links and relationships.

Coarse, furrowed pine bark covers the wood, which is easy to machine and shows high mechanical resistance. For many years, pine timber had been used to produce pit props and railway ties, laying the foundations for the industrial development of the region. After a while, electric pylons and poles started to be made of such wood, contributing to the creation of a modern, increasingly post-industrial infrastructure of business, finance and administration. Therefore, pine cultivation began also beyond the natural habitat of the species. Similarly, many residents of the Rybnik area, who once came from some remote parts of the country, have managed to assimilate into the region and are now serving it with their skills and abilities.

Today pine is commonly used in carpentry. Pine windows, doors, floors and furniture seem to bean ideal décor for an array of business, financial and administration entities. With its beautiful texture, colour and aroma it fills the interiors of houses, churches and numerous monuments of the region. Besides, pine also supports knowledge. The students of the Faculty of Business, Finance and Administration often prepare for their exams, sitting at their pine desks. While studying they review their electronic records, as well as traditional books, thus combining the technological progress with traditional paper. Pine continues to be one of the basic raw materials in paper production. Despite the expansion of e-commerce, paper still holds its 'share' in today's business and administration, just like security paper is so widely used in the world of finance. In addition to tangible goods, pine is also a source of more elusive values. Essential oils, extracted from pine bark, cones, needles, buds and roots, find numerous applications in the perfume and beauty industries, as well as medicine. Amber is an exceptional gift offered by Scots pines. For the people living in the Rybnik area and the neighbouring regions, fossil resin, which originates from the pines growing here millions of years ago, is a symbol of the precious heritage - the deposits of coal, ores and minerals.