Ponderosa Pine, lower trunk bark piece (Pinus ponderosa).
Ponderosa Pine is highly adapted to fire. Fire is needed to encourage
pine dominance on drier sites. It has an exceptionally thick, dense bark
(as much as 10 cm. on lower trunk, with a fire protection factor often
compared to asbestos), deep root systems, seeds on mineral soils, trunks
free of limbs on lower parts, and favors open, parklike stands.

—On the road in the American Northwest.



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