Press of Atlantic City: Wildfires stunt pygmy pines' growth, yet they thrive on it


Photo credit: Bill Gross

The pygmy pine trees that grow along the border of Burlington and Ocean counties are a biological oddity. They stand only a few feet tall, their trunks mangled and contorted, despite decades of growth.

A range of hypotheses has been floated over the years to explain their dwarfism, but the dominant theory stems from the trees' relationship with fire. They not only tolerate fire, but these trees form one of the most flammable sections of the country.

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Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 11/30/2010 11:00 AM
Categories: Nature News Links
Tags: pygmy pine wildfires Ocean County Burlington County
 

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