The members of the pine family (pines, spruces, firs, cedars, larches, etc.) have cones that are imbricate, that is, with scales overlapping each other like fish scales. These pine cones, especially the woody female cones, are considered the "archetypal" tree cones. The cones are conic, cylindrical or ovoid (egg-shaped), and small to very large, from 2-60 cm long and 1-20 cm broad.
The condition of fallen pine cones is a crude indication of the forest floor's moisture content, which is an important indication of wildfire risk. Closed cones indicate damp conditions while open cones indicate the forest floor is dry. As a result of this, pine cones have often been used by people in temperate climates to predict dry and wet weather, usually hanging a harvested pine cone from some string outside to measure the humidity of the air.
Hidden off the Koonung Creek Trail. Find the right one and unscrew to find the logbook and room for small swaps.
Unactivated geocoin for FTF. Congratulations go to Splad_.