A monoecious plant, having staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers separate but on the same plant. There are 4 sepals, no petals; 4-5 stamens (male flower) or one pistil (female flower). Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Beach, CA. 2-22-09. © Joan Avise |
Holly-leaved Redberry Rhamnus ilicifolia A 12 ft. shrub, either tree-like or branching from
the base. Common in chaparral especially on shaded slopes and in canyons of Chino
Hills, San Joaquin Hills, Santa Ana Mountains and foothills (Roberts). Rhamnaceae Back to Rhamnaceae of Orange County, California |
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Beach, CA. 2-22-09. © Joan Avise |
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Beach, CA. 2-22-09. © Joan Avise |
Oval to roundish thick alternate leaves, smooth above and sometimes downy on the underside. Leaves are from 3/4 to 2 in. long and margins may be entire, irregularly toothed or prickly. Tips may be obtuse, rounded or widely notched. San Juan Loop Trail, Cleveland National Forest, Riverside Co., CA. 7-18-10. © Joan Avise |
Passerine birds who eat the fruits digest the fleshy part, then regurgitate the leathery seed capsule. Upon drying, the capsule bursts open throwing the seed (Clarke). San Juan Loop Trail, Cleveland National Forest, Riverside Co., CA. 7-18-10. © Joan Avise |
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Beach, CA. 6-13-09. © Joan Avise |