Torrey Pine
Encyclopedia
The Torrey Pine, Pinus torreyana, 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
.
Pinus torreyana is a broad, open-crowned pine
tree growing to 8–15 m (26.2–49.2 ft) tall, with 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in) long leaves ('needles') in groups of five. The cone
s 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.
The species name torreyana is named for John Torrey, an American botanist, after whom the coniferous genus Torreya
is also named. .
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
.
, Pinus torreyana is found in the Coastal sage scrub
plant community, growing slowly in dry sandy soil. The root system is extensive. A tiny seedling may quickly send a taproot
down 60 centimetres (23.6 in) seeking moisture and nutrients. A mature tree may have roots extending 75 metres (246.1 ft). Exposed trees battered by coastal wind
s are often twisted into beautiful sculptural shapes resembling large bonsai
, and rarely exceed 12 m (39.4 ft) tall.
Pinus torreyana was one of the rarest pine species in the world in the early 20th century, with only around 100 trees surviving. However, with conservation the wild population has grown to about 2000 trees in present times. Pinus squamata, a critically endangered species
in southwest China
, is considered the rarest pine currently with only around 20 trees remaining.
s were an important food for the Kumeyaay
tribe of Native American
people.
, Torrey Pines State Beach
, Torrey Pines Golf Course
, Torrey Pines High School
, and Torrey Pines Gliderport
, as well as numerous local roads, businesses (e.g., Torrey Pines Bank, Torrey Pines Property Management Company, Torrey Pines Landscape Company), and parks.
In cultivation, on richer soils with higher rainfall or supplemental irrigation
, the Torrey Pine is capable of fast growth to a large size, with tall and straight trees 45 metres (147.6 ft) in height. They are used in native plant and drought tolerant gardens and landscapes.
The Torrey Pine is protected by a city tree ordinance in Del Mar
, near the native habitat, and construction projects and citizens require a permit for its removal.
tree for forestry
use in Australia
, New Zealand
and Kenya
.
Pine
Pines are trees in the genus Pinus ,in the family Pinaceae. They make up the monotypic subfamily Pinoideae. There are about 115 species of pine, although different authorities accept between 105 and 125 species.-Etymology:...
species in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, an endangered species
Endangered species
An endangered species is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters...
growing only in San Diego County
San Diego County, California
San Diego County is a large county located in the southwestern corner of the US state of California. Hence, San Diego County is also located in the southwestern corner of the 48 contiguous United States. Its county seat and largest city is San Diego. Its population was about 2,813,835 in the 2000...
and on one of the Channel Islands
Channel Islands of California
The Channel Islands of California are a chain of eight islands located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California along the Santa Barbara Channel in the United States of America...
, endemic to the coastal sage and chaparral ecoregion
California coastal sage and chaparral ecoregion
The California coastal sage and chaparral, a sub-ecoregion of the California chaparral and woodlands ecoregion, is found in southwestern California and northwestern Baja California in Mexico.-Location:...
in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
Description
Pine
Pines are trees in the genus Pinus ,in the family Pinaceae. They make up the monotypic subfamily Pinoideae. There are about 115 species of pine, although different authorities accept between 105 and 125 species.-Etymology:...
tree growing to 8–15 m (26.2–49.2 ft) tall, with 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in) long leaves ('needles') in groups of five. The cone
Conifer cone
A cone is an organ on plants in the division Pinophyta that contains the reproductive structures. The familiar woody cone is the female cone, which produces seeds. The male cones, which produce pollen, are usually herbaceous and much less conspicuous even at full maturity...
s 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.
The species name torreyana is named for John Torrey, an American botanist, after whom the coniferous genus Torreya
Torreya
Torreya is a genus of conifers comprising five or six species, treated in either the Cephalotaxaceae, or in the Taxaceae when that family is considered in a broad sense. Four are native to eastern Asia; the other two are native to North America. They are small to medium-sized evergreen trees...
is also named. .
Distribution
The "wild" nativeNative plant
Native plant is a term to describe plants endemic or naturalized to a given area in geologic time.This includes plants that have developed, occur naturally, or existed for many years in an area...
population of Pinus torreyana is restricted to about 3000 trees growing in a narrow strip along the Southern California
Southern California
Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
coast in San Diego. There is also a population of the variety Pinus torreyana var. insularis in a single grove on Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island, California
Santa Rosa Island is the second largest of the Channel Islands of California at 53,195 acres . Defined by the United States Census Bureau as Block 3009, Block Group 3, Census Tract 29.10 of Santa Barbara County, California, the 2000 census showed an official population of 2 persons. It is part of...
, a California Channel Island off the coast of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is the county seat of Santa Barbara County, California, United States. Situated on an east-west trending section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States, the city lies between the steeply-rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean...
.
Habitat
In its native habitatHabitat
* Habitat , a place where a species lives and grows*Human habitat, a place where humans live, work or play** Space habitat, a space station intended as a permanent settlement...
, Pinus torreyana is found in the Coastal sage scrub
Coastal sage scrub
Coastal sage scrub is a low scrubland plant community found in the California chaparral and woodlands ecoregion of coastal California and northern Baja California. It is characterized by low-growing aromatic, and drought-deciduous shrubs adapted to the semi-arid Mediterranean climate of the...
plant community, growing slowly in dry sandy soil. The root system is extensive. A tiny seedling may quickly send a taproot
Taproot
A taproot is an enlarged, somewhat straight to tapering plant root that grows vertically downward. It forms a center from which other roots sprout laterally.Plants with taproots are difficult to transplant...
down 60 centimetres (23.6 in) seeking moisture and nutrients. A mature tree may have roots extending 75 metres (246.1 ft). Exposed trees battered by coastal wind
Salt pruning
Salt pruning is the process by which saline mists generated by seawater are driven ashore by winds to alter the shape of trees or shrubs over considerable times throughout the growth cycle of the affected plant. The process of salt pruning selectively degrades foliage and branches on the windward...
s are often twisted into beautiful sculptural shapes resembling large bonsai
Bonsai
is a Japanese art form using miniature trees grown in containers. Similar practices exist in other cultures, including the Chinese tradition of penjing from which the art originated, and the miniature living landscapes of Vietnamese hòn non bộ...
, and rarely exceed 12 m (39.4 ft) tall.
Conservation
Endangered species
An endangered species is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters...
in southwest China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, is considered the rarest pine currently with only around 20 trees remaining.
Food
The pine nutPine nut
Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pines . About 20 species of pine produce seeds large enough to be worth harvesting; in other pines the seeds are also edible, but are too small to be of great value as a human food....
s were an important food for the Kumeyaay
Kumeyaay
The Kumeyaay, also known as Tipai-Ipai, Kamia, or formerly Diegueño, are Native American people of the extreme southwestern United States and northwest Mexico. They live in the states of California in the US and Baja California in Mexico. In Spanish, the name is commonly spelled...
tribe of Native American
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
people.
Cultivation
Endangered in the wild, Torrey pine is planted as an ornamental tree. In San Diego County it is considered a local icon, where it lends its name to Torrey Pines State ReserveTorrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a coastal state park located in the California community of La Jolla, San Diego, California, off North Torrey Pines Road . Although it is located within San Diego city limits, it remains one of the wildest stretches of land on the Southern California coast...
, Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines State Beach is a coastal beach located in the San Diego, California community of Torrey Pines, and is located south of Del Mar and north of La Jolla. Coastal erosion from the adjacent Torrey Pines State Reserve makes for a picturesque landscape. It is a local favorite among surfers and...
, Torrey Pines Golf Course
Torrey Pines Golf Course
Torrey Pines Golf Course is a municipal public golf course owned by the city of San Diego, California. It sits on the coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the community of La Jolla south of Torrey Pines State Reserve. It has two famous golf courses, the North Course and the South Course....
, Torrey Pines High School
Torrey Pines High School
Torrey Pines High School is a high school in the North County Coastal area of San Diego, California. The school is named after the Torrey Pine tree that grows in the area...
, and Torrey Pines Gliderport
Torrey Pines Gliderport
The Torrey Pines Gliderport is a city-owned private-use glider airport located 11 nautical miles northwest of the central business district of San Diego, a city in San Diego County, California, United States....
, as well as numerous local roads, businesses (e.g., Torrey Pines Bank, Torrey Pines Property Management Company, Torrey Pines Landscape Company), and parks.
In cultivation, on richer soils with higher rainfall or supplemental irrigation
Irrigation
Irrigation may be defined as the science of artificial application of water to the land or soil. It is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and revegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall...
, the Torrey Pine is capable of fast growth to a large size, with tall and straight trees 45 metres (147.6 ft) in height. They are used in native plant and drought tolerant gardens and landscapes.
The Torrey Pine is protected by a city tree ordinance in Del Mar
Del Mar, California
Del Mar is an upscale beach town in San Diego County, California. The population was 4,161 at the 2010 census, down from 4,389 at the 2000 census. The San Diego County Fair is hosted on the Del Mar Fairgrounds every summer. Del Mar is Spanish for "of the sea" or "by the sea", because it is located...
, near the native habitat, and construction projects and citizens require a permit for its removal.
Forestry
Pinus torreyana is currently being tested as a plantationPlantation
A plantation is a long artificially established forest, farm or estate, where crops are grown for sale, often in distant markets rather than for local on-site consumption...
tree for forestry
Forestry
Forestry is the interdisciplinary profession embracing the science, art, and craft of creating, managing, using, and conserving forests and associated resources in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values for human benefit. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands...
use in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
and Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
.
Terminology
Some unusual terms that are commonly seen in conjunction with the Torrey Pine are:- fascicle (botany)Fascicle (botany)In botany, a fascicle is a bundle of leaves or flowers, or of the vascular tissues that supply these organs with nutrients...
- a cluster of needles, which consists of a fixed number of needles per given pine species, which in the case of Torrey Pine number five - stratification (botany)Stratification (botany)In horticulture, stratification is the process of pretreating seeds to simulate natural winter conditions that a seed must endure before germination. Many seed species undergo an embryonic dormancy phase, and generally will not sprout until this dormancy is broken...
- the process of subjecting seeds to cold in order to encourage germination, which in the case of Torrey Pine seeds is a recommended practice - strobilusStrobilusA strobilus is a structure present on many land plant species consisting of sporangia-bearing structures densely aggregated along a stem. Strobili are often called cones, but many botanists restrict the use of the term cone to the woody seed strobili of conifers...
(plural: strobili) - a structure that functions as a flower but looks like a small cone, which in the case of Torrey Pine looks like a yellow bud in a male strobilus and looks like a small red cone in a female strobilus - witch's broomWitch's broomA Witch's broom is a disease or deformity in a woody plant, typically a tree, where the natural structure of the plant is changed. A dense mass of shoots grows from a single point, with the resulting structure resembling a broom or a bird's nest....
- an unusually dense cluster of needles, which looks somewhat like a bird's nest, which can be caused by disease or by some other source, also called "gorilla's nest"
External links
- official Torrey Pines State Reserve website
- Jepson Manual Treatment - Pinus torreyana
- USDA Plants Profile: Pinus torreyana
- http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?query_src=photos_index&where-lifeform=any&rel-taxon=contains&where-taxon=Pinus+torreyana&rel-namesoup=matchphrase&where-namesoup=&rel-location=matchphrase&where-location=&rel-county=eq&where-county=any&rel-state=eq&where-state=any&rel-country=eq&where-country=any&where-collectn=any&rel-photographer=contains&where-photographer=&rel-kwid=equals&where-kwid=&max_rows=24 Pinus torreyana Photo gallery]