ADAPTABLE

ADAPTABLE

Last September, I was exposed to an example of extreme adaptation from an unlikely source. I knew I would eventually tell you about this, I didn’t know when. Last week’s post about the common water bottle sparked the memory of my uncommon experience. I will not keep you in suspense.

It is a story of a pine tree. I was raised in rural Georgia where pine trees are plentiful. Maine is called “the pine tree state,” and the pine tree is North Carolina’s state tree. To know this species is to know that their root system is not the greatest and strong winds can lead to their demise. The pine tree is no stranger to this country. Please allow me to introduce you to a seemingly indestructible species, the Canarian Pine Tree found in Tenerife, Canary Islands.

For the records, please note that I am not fond of group bus tours. However, there may be times when an experienced driver and a well-informed tour guide are one’s best option. This rationale is how my husband and I found ourselves on a bus transversing curvy, narrow roads up the side of a volcanic mountain to view clouds from below as they were pushed in from the ocean, to travel through those clouds and to walk above them. Our final nighttime stop got us close as possible to Saturn without space travel. Little did I know that these two things would pale in comparison to meeting the Canarian pine which grows between 2600 and seven thousand feet above sea level and is an expert in adaptation.

This mighty tree has been destroyed repeatedly by volcanic eruptions and forest fires. They have developed an amazing ability to regenerate. How? Over time they have grown a layer of cork around their trunk. A fire or volcanic lava burns the outer surface of the tree only. Recovery happens quickly. Indeed, a forest fire occurred in 2023, and we saw trees that were green with foliage in 2024.

This characteristic is essential for the freshwater supply of the island. It does not rain very often. Trade winds blowing over the ocean waters produce a veil of clouds on one side of the island. The needles of the pine gather water from the clouds which drops to the ground under the tree and is absorbed into the soil. Water produced by this mighty pine is one of the most important sources of fresh water for the island. It is a natural wonder.

Two salient points solidified in my head upon hearing the tree’s adaptation story, standing among them, and seeing the new growth: Clean and easily accessible water is not a reality for every citizen of the planet and should not be taken for granted. Adversity can and does inform growth and maturation if one adapts and allows it to bring change.

Phil. 4:11-13

PONDER THIS THOUGHT--- Longevity is a cycle of improvisations, adaptations, and learning to overcome adversities.

CANARIAN PINE TREES