Dr. Tom Parker
Professor, Biology Department
San Francisco State University
Michael Vasey
Coordinator, Conservation Biology Program
San Francisco State University
Species of Arctostaphylos (tribe Arbuteae, family Ericaceae) are commonly known as manzanitas in California. The genus has a high degree of endemism and some 80+ taxa are found here, with several species extending out of the California Floristic Province, including the circumboreal A. uva-ursi. Species range from small prostrate woody plants to tree size forms; all are evergreen. Manzanitas are important members of a number of plant communities, especially chaparral. A group considered difficult by many people, manzanitas can be identified, nonetheless, as well as appreciated for their morphological and ecological differentiation. The class will focus on key taxonomic characters during the first day, as well as some background on manzanita evolution, distribution patterns, and ecology. Fresh material from different types of species will be used. The second day will involve a field trip to several different types of habitats, learning to identify species by features available, as well as gaining insight on their ecological and evolutionary patterns.