Scientific Name
Rhus ovata S. Watson
Family
Anacardiaceae
General
This species is quite similar to its congener, Rhus integrifolia. It differs in having dark red sepals and leaves that are more elongate and pointed.
Information on the ethnobotany of this species in Southern California
CI
A distinctive tree observed only twice around CI.One is found growing along a pathway to the west of University Glen, and may have been planted as a landscaping plant.It was observed in flower long after Rhus integrifolia had gone to fruit.Above ground parts of this tree were destroyed by Springs Fire of May 2013, but it has returned from the roots.Another tree, in a location less likely to have been artificially planted has been identified to the west of University Glen.It also appears to have recovered from fire damage.
Post-Fire Observations
Both trees recovered from heavy damage from the Springs Fire of May 2013.
References
See this species on CalFlora.
The Jepson Manual (2012:171, Anacariaceaea by John M. Miller and Dieter Wilken).
Dale (2000:43).
McAuley (1996:169)
Rhus ovata in flower, along path to the west of University Glen, CI (23 April 2013).
Rhus ovata, flowers, along path to the west of University Glen, CI (23 April 2013).
Rhus ovata, flowers, along path to the west of University Glen, CI (23 April 2013).
Rhus ovata, shoots growing from base of tree in post fire recovery, along path to the west of University Glen, CI (8 October 2013).
Rhus ovata near base of hill to west of University Glen, CSUCI campus (19 March 2016).
Rhus ovata near base of hill to west of University Glen, CSUCI campus (19 March 2016).
Rhus ovata near base of hill to west of University Glen, CSUCI campus (19 March 2016).