Long leaf pine

Description:

This is the terminal bud of a "grass-stage" seedling. It has passed through a prescribed burn from the previous day. This tree is remarkable for its adaptations that allow it to both survive and thrive with fire! In fact, the ecosystems with pine as the dominant species requires fire to remain healthy!

Habitat:

Upland Pine Sandhill, Wekiva State Park.

Notes:

Taken during my first class of the Florida Master Naturalist Class. The gentleman in the 2nd pic is our intrepid instructor "Don". He's pointing out some still-smoldering areas from yesterday's burn. Very very cool. Can't wait to watch it come back to life over the next 6 weeks of class !