| Pinus torreyana Torrey Pine[1] |
|
|---|---|
| A Torrey pine on the northeast coast of Santa Rosa Island, California | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Genus: | Pinus |
| Subgenus: | Pinus |
| Species: | P. torreyana |
| Binomial name | |
| Pinus torreyana Parry ex Carr. |
|
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.[2][3]
Contents |
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.[2] The species name torreyana is named for John Torrey, an American botanist, after whom the coniferous genus Torreya is also named. .[4]
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.[5] 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.[6][7]
In its native habitat, 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 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.
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.
The pine nuts were an important food for the Kumeyaay tribe of Native American people.
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 Reserve, 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[8], Torrey Pines Property Management Company[9], Torrey Pines Landscape Company[10]), 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 meters (148 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.[11]
Pinus torreyana is currently being tested as a plantation tree for forestry use in Australia, New Zealand and Kenya.
Some unusual terms that are commonly seen in conjunction with the Torrey Pine are: