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San Bruno Mountain manzanita

Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos imbricata

Family: Ericaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CA (San Bruno Mountain manzanita)

       

San Bruno Mountain Manzanita (Arctostaphylos imbricata)

The Arctostaphylos imbricata, commonly known as San Bruno Mountain Manzanita, is a fascinating plant species endemic to a specific region in California.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant forms a dense mat, which could be of interest to animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos imbricata
  • Common Name: San Bruno Mountain Manzanita
  • Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family)
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names:
    • Arctostaphylos andersonii var. imbricata (Eastw.) J.E. Adams ex McMinn
    • Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'San Bruno Mountain' (Note: This appears to be a cultivated variety or selection)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies: Arctostaphylos imbricata ssp. imbricata

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to San Mateo County, California.
  • Specifically found on San Bruno Mountain.
  • The area is located at the northern terminus of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
  • The habitat includes slopes exceeding 50% and elevations ranging from 250 feet.

Ecological Role

  • The San Bruno Mountain area represents a rare natural habitat.
  • It offers an island oasis for manzanita endemism and diversity.
  • A fungal pathogen has caused significant dieback or loss of entire plants since around 1997, impacting the plant's populations.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Low-growing, evergreen shrub.
  • Forms a luxuriant mat of large, glossy, spatulate leaves.
  • Dense foliage.
  • Small white or pink flowers appear in spring.

Quirky Facts

  • San Bruno Mountain is considered a rare natural habitat where this manzanita occurs naturally.
  • One source describes it as a dwarf manzanita, no more than ankle high, suggesting significant size variations may exist.

Further Information

  • CNPS (California Native Plant Society) List 1B.1 - Seriously Endangered Endemic to California.
  • CalPhotos: An online resource featuring photos of Arctostaphylos imbricata.
  • Garden Guides: Provides information on uses and gardening with San Bruno Mountain Manzanita.