Massage Therapy

I love these cones from a Bishops pine tree.  There aren't many of these trees around - either in this country or elsewhere.  Originally they come from coastal areas of California and a few near by islands.  The cones grow in clusters around the branches and are particularly interesting as they have prickly scales that are greatly thickened on the side facing away from the stem. This helps prevent fire damage to the cones which stay  unopened for many years until fire or strong heat causes them to open and release the seeds.  It feels rather nice to roll one of the cones in the palms of the hands - a kind of massage theray!