TORREY PINES - one of the rarest trees in the worl

Torrey Pines, one of the world?s rarest pine trees are believed to be the remnant of a once widespread woodland of Southern California. It is now found naturally in only two locations, this small strip of coast line in northern San Diego and on Santa Rosa Island 75 north of San Diego. Large female seed bearing cones are located in the top of these trees. In January and February the small pollen-filled male cones can be found.
It takes 3-5 years for a cone to mature. The bark of these trees also provides a home for the five-spined engraver beetle which kill the tree during years of drought. The needles have deep grooves on them that trap moisture and channels it to the ground.
Torrey Pines area is the foggiest area of San Diego. It has a deep tap root for reaching ground water and anchoring the the tree. The canopy leans away from the prevailing winds. This is a very beautiful & peaceful area to visit and hike.