Skip to main content

Witches Broom

Pinus torreyana

Photo by Ava T-B
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

32.8962, -117.249

Field Notes

Description:

A "witch's broom" is a proliferation of shoots that can look like a bundle of twigs or witch’s broom. It can be cause by fungal or viral infection of the plant. This one is on a Torrey pine which is endemic to the Southern California coast and one coastal island.

Habitat:

The Torrey pine is an endangered species growing only in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, in coastal San Diego county, and on Santa Rosa Island. This one is in the reserve. https://torreypine.org/

Reference Links:

Witches' broom

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)
Ava T-B
I don't think it kills the tree, Neil, so at the Reserve, they just leave these alone.
Neil Ross
Thanks for the link, Ava. I found my answer :)
Neil Ross
If the branch was lopped, perhaps that would stop the infection? It looks amazing.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity
Mission
California Coastal Wildlife Watch
Mission
Southern California Wildlife
Photographed
PublishedDecember 28, 2018

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies