Scientific Name
Cistanthe maritima (Nutt.) Hershk.
Family
Montiaceae
General
This species is rare, found on the Channel Islands and scattered along the coast near the ocean in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. It becomes increasingly uncommon from south to north.
CI
In March 2016, a large population (1000s of plants) was encountered on a relatively steep slope on Round Mountain. The population consisted of several large patches with many smaller patches and scattered plants along a longitudinal transect perhaps 100m long and 10-15 m deep. The plants flowered early in the day, with buds closed in the afternoon. As the soil dried the fleshy leaves turned red, but at least once turned again to green following a soaking rain. By mid April, nearly all plants were red, dead or dying. Green plants were easily transplanted to pots and with watering were kept alive, green and setting seeds well into Summer.
References
See this species on CalFlora.
The Jepson Manual(2012: 902, Montiaceae, by John M. Miller).
Dale(2000 - not covered).
McAuley (1996 - not covered).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (6 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (6 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (6 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (6 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (6 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (6 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (6 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (13 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (13 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (13 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (13 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (13 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (13 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus.Dense patch of plants(13 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus (13 March 2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus. Plants turn red as they reach the end of their season(12 April2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus. Plants turn red as they reach the end of their season(12 April2016).
Cistanthe maritima on south face of Round Mountain, CI campus. Plants turn red as they reach the end of their season(12 April2016).