Family: Ericaceae
Author: Nutt.
Bibliography: Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., n.s., 8: 259 (1842)
Year: 1842
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Xylococcus
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. California to Mexico (Baja California, I. Cedros)
Description
Mission manzanita, botanically recognized as Xylococcus bicolor, is a fascinating shrub indigenous to the southwestern region of California stretching into Mexico, including Baja California and Cedros Island. This member of the Ericaceae family was first described in the 19th century by the renowned botanist Nuttall, with its formal introduction recorded in the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society in 1842.
Xylococcus bicolor typically inhabits chaparral and coastal sage scrub environments, flourishing in dry, well-drained soils where it plays a critical role in the local ecosystem. The plant is distinguished by its resilient, woody structure and broad, leathery leaves, which exhibit a striking bicolor pattern. The upper surface of the leaves is a deep green, while the underside shows a lighter, often whitish hue, a dichotomy that inspired its species name, “bicolor.”
The flowers of Mission manzanita are petite, urn-shaped, and frequently white or pink, clustering together to add to the shrub’s aesthetic appeal. These blooms give way to small, reddish-brown fruit, which are a vital food source for the local fauna. The plant’s hardiness and adaptability make it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and natural landscaping, especially in regions prone to drought.
Furthermore, Xylococcus bicolor is not only valued for its ecological benefits but also for its cultural significance. Indigenous peoples of the region have long utilized various parts of the plant for medicinal and practical purposes.
In summary, Mission manzanita is a robust and adaptive shrub that contributes significantly to the biodiversity and landscape of southwestern California and northern Mexico. Its unique botanical characteristics and the ecological benefits it offers underscore the importance of preserving this valuable native species.
Common Names
En: Mission manzanita
Synonyms
- Comarostaphylis bicolor ((Nutt.) Klotzsch)
- Arctostaphylos clevelandii (A.Gray)
- Arctostaphylos bicolor ((Nutt.) A.Gray)
- Arctostaphylos veatchii (Kellogg)
Distribution
- California (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Apr 3, 2013 by EOL − BJ Stacey (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 3, 2013 by EOL − BJ Stacey (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 14, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 17, 2016 by EOL − spheller (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Ashley Martinez (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 4, 2020 by Heather (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 14, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 14, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Ashley Martinez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2019 by Diana (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 14, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 14, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2019 by Diana (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 14, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 14, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 14, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 4, 2014 by EOL − Scott Batiuk (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 17, 2016 by EOL − spheller (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Feb 14, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 14, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2012 by EOL − Anthony Baniaga (public)
Taken Feb 14, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 14, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:334817-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Xylococcus bicolor Nutt.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5333384)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub
