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island manzanita

Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos insularis

Family: Ericaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Island Manzanita (Arctostaphylos insularis)

The Island Manzanita, scientifically known as Arctostaphylos insularis, is a captivating evergreen shrub native to the Channel Islands of California. This page provides an overview of its key characteristics, distribution, and other notable features.

Common Names

  • Island Manzanita
  • Santa Cruz Island Manzanita

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is a shrub with glossy dark green rounded leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos insularis E. Greene
  • Family: Ericaceae (Heath)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Arctostaphylos insularis is endemic to Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands of California.
  • It also grows on Santa Rosa Island.
  • The plant is found in a Northern California Channel Islands chain between Anacapa and Santa Rosa Islands.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The Island Manzanita is an evergreen shrub that can grow to approximately 6 feet.
  • It features bright green, shiny leaves and large white flowers.

Quirky Facts

  • The Catalina Manzanita seed can germinate through exposure to extreme heat caused by fire or by passing through an animal's digestive system.

Ecological Role

  • The Santa Rosa Island Manzanita (Arctostaphylos confertiflora) is an endangered species in California, potentially threatened by grazing.

Synonyms

  • Arctostaphylos subcordata var. confertiflora (Eastw.) Munz is a synonym of Santa Rosa Island Manzanita.
  • Arctostaphylos crustacea ssp. insulicola, formerly Arctostaphylos tomentosa ssp. insulicola.

Related Species

  • Arctostaphylos confertiflora (Santa Rosa Island Manzanita): Another manzanita species endemic to California.
  • Arctostaphylos catalinae (Santa Catalina Island Manzanita): A related species in the Ericaceae family, endemic to California.
  • Arctostaphylos crustacea ssp. subcordata: Also known as Santa Cruz Island manzanita.
  • Arctostaphylos canescens: Another species of manzanita with subspecies like A. canescens subsp. canescens (Hoary Manzanita) and A. canescens subsp. sonomensis (Sonoma Canescent Manzanita).

Further Information

  • ARKive provides photos and facts about Santa Catalina Island manzanita.
  • The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) - San Diego Chapter offers information on Arctostaphylos insularis.
  • BISON Web Link: http://bison.usgs.ornl.gov/api/scientificName/Arctostaphylos%20catalinae
  • ITIS Web Link is a related external resource.