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Torrey Pine

Pinus torreyana

Description:

Endemic to CA and rare pine tree. "Pinus torreyana is a broad, open-crowned pine tree growing to 8–15 meters (26–49 ft) tall, with 25–30 centimeters (9.8–12 in) long leaves ('needles') in groups of five. The cones are stout and heavy, typically 8–15 cm (3.1–5.9 in) long and broad, and contain large, hard-shelled, but edible, pine nuts." - Wikipedia

Habitat:

Along the coast in La Jolla. It "is the rarest pine species in the United States, an endangered species growing only in San Diego County and on one of the Channel Islands, endemic to the coastal sage and chaparral ecoregion in the U.S. state of California. The "wild" native population of Pinus torreyana is restricted to about 3000 trees growing in a narrow strip along the Southern California coast in San Diego. There is also a population of the variety Pinus torreyana var. insularis in a single grove on Santa Rosa Island, a California Channel Island off the coast of Santa Barbara. In its native habitat, Pinus torreyana is found in the Coastal sage scrub plant community, growing slowly in dry sandy soil. " - Wikipedia

Notes:

"The pine nuts were an important food for the Kumeyaay tribe of Native American people. The root system is extensive. A tiny seedling may quickly send a taproot down 60 centimeters (24 in) seeking moisture and nutrients. A mature tree may have roots extending 75 meters (246 ft). Exposed trees battered by coastal winds are often twisted into beautiful sculptural shapes resembling large bonsai, and rarely exceed 12 m (39 ft) tall." - Wikipedia

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2 Comments

CindyBinghamKeiser
CindyBinghamKeiser 11 years ago

I agree! I didn't realize HOW lucky until I looked up the info for this spotting. They're even more gorgeous to me now.

Ava T-B
Ava T-B 11 years ago

We're so lucky to have these gorgeous trees.

San Diego, California, USA

Spotted on May 4, 2012
Submitted on May 5, 2012

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Reference

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