On a recent trip to the San Diego, CA area, I had an opportunity to visit the beautiful San Diego Botanical Garden.

Photo top left: This is a Pelican Vine or Giant Dutchman’s Pipevine (Aristolochia Gigantea), native to Brazil. It’s similar to our Eastern US native pipevine. Leaves have a rubber-like feel and it grows on structures like a

morning glory vine. Amazing!  Photo top right: an unusual topiary – all succulents! Photo second row left: the famous Torrey Pines.  Torrey pines only grow two places in the world:  The Torrey Pines area of San Diego, CA and off the San Diego coast on Rosa Island.  They have longer needles than our Eastern pines, but their branches are shaped more like our stately oaks. The photo below is of a Cork Tree also found in the SDBG! So, that’s where cork comes from!  Enjoy – Renee

Cork Tree