PINE FOREST Cutting Board

Some species of pine trees have adapted to thrive in harsh, fire-prone environments by developing specialized cones that only open and release their seeds in response to intense heat. These cones, known as serotinous cones, remain tightly closed until exposed to the high temperatures of a forest fire. The heat causes the resin holding the cone scales together to melt, releasing the seeds and allowing them to fall onto the freshly cleared and nutrient-rich soil, increasing the chances of successful germination and the establishment of new pine trees in the post-fire landscape.