Chorizanthe orcuttiana

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Chorizanthe orcuttiana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Caryophyllales Family: Polygonaceae Genus: Chorizanthe Species: C. orcuttiana
Binomial name
Chorizanthe orcuttiana Parry

Chorizanthe orcuttiana is a small annual plant in the buckwheat (Polygonaceae) family. Its common name is San Diego spineflower. The plant is diminutive, and a hand-lens is necessary for proper identification. The plant is very sensitive to temperature and precipitation, and under drought or hot conditions the seeds will not germinate or survive. The plant is visible anywhere from February through July during good rain year, but most years the plant is only visible from April to June. The plant was believed to be extinct until it was re-discovered on Naval Base Point Loma.

Since its re-discovery, two additional populations were discovered on Naval Base Point Loma, and one small populuation is seen inifrequently at Oak Crest Park in Encinitas, California. The plant requires open, sandy areas near the coast. Most of its historic range has been developed, but due to its diminutive, infrequent nature, there is a significant chance that other undiscovered populations exist, possibly at Torrey Pines State Park.

[edit] External links

• Jepson Manual Treatment
• USDA Plants Profile