familyPolygonaceae
subfamilyPolygonaceae subfam. Eriogonoideae
genusChorizanthe
subgenusChorizanthe subg. Amphietes
speciesChorizanthe parryi
Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina
Man. Fl. Pl. Calif., 298. 1923.
Common names: San Fernando spineflower
EndemicConservation concern
Basionym: Chorizanthe fernandina S. Watson in W. H. Brewer et al., Bot. California 2: 481. 1880
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 5. Treatment on page 461.
Involucral awns straight.
Phenology: Flowering Apr–Jun.
Habitat: Sandy places on foothills, mixed grass-land and chaparral communities
Elevation: 90-500 m
Discussion
Of conservation concern.
Variety fernandina was thought to be extinct until two small populations were found on Laskey Mesa in Ventura County and on Grapevine Mesa in Los Angeles County. The first site consists of some 14 subpopulations in a sparsely vegetated, undisturbed area. The second site, found in 2000, has a single population. The species otherwise was last collected in Los Angeles County in 1929. A single collection (Geis 541, DS) was supposedly gathered near Santa Ana, Orange County, in 1902. San Fernando spineflower has been proposed for federal listing as an endangered species.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.