I can't believe I'm writing a blog about a tree, but as they were ever-present during my recent Wekiwa hike, I thought it best to include info about them (as well as a pic).
Longleaf pines (Pinus palustris) are common in the Southern U.S.; they are even the state tree of Alabama. They grow primarily in sandy areas, which explains their presence at Wekiwa, where the ground was extremely dry and sandy (I could even see little sand piles scattered around).
When the pines are young, they resemble grass or a fluffy little bush, not a tree at all. They can live up to 500 years, and are a home to many species, including the elusive Fox Squirrel. Their needles are in groups of three and their cones are absolutely humongous, around 11 inches long. If one of those things hit me in the head, I'd feel it for a few days!
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