Chaparral Plants/ Canyon Study Del Mar, CA Entry to Canyon study area facing towards the Northwest. Picture taken approximately 4:00 in the afternoon in May.

Chaparral habitat destruction? Development and urbanization of San Diego is destroying much of the native Chaparral areas This area is just North of the TPHS football stadium

Common Adaptations seen in Chaparral/Coastal Sage Plants Waxy cuticles to prevent water loss Seasonal growth and defoliation adaptive strategy often used Typically low growing (less than 3meters) Many can retain/store water in woody stems, root balls, or succulent tissue. Reduced leaf surface area to prevent water loss via evaporation

Common Coastal Sage & Chaparral Plants Put down your cell phone, open your eyes, and take a look around you! Coastal Sage Scrub & Chaparral Plants are found in only a few places in the WORLD! Amazing Wow,plants are cool!

California Coastal Sage

Ceanothus

Baccaharis A native species common to this area.

Prickly Pear Cactus Optunia sp. What types of adaptations does it have for living in this area??? Edible, tasty fruit eaten by Native American populations

Barrel Cactus Succulent Waxy cuticle Protective spines Both sexual and asexual reproduction

Black Sage Very distinctive smell Requires little water Adapted for sunny & arid climates

Laurel Sumac

Lemonade Berry Plant

Monkey Flower (Mimulus sp.)

Spice Bush

Flowering Chamise

Willow Tree

Exotic Introductions Most common landscaping plants are exotic to San Diego Exotic species often lack predators Some exotic plants may outcompete native species Some exotic plants may vigorously spread to new areas Me???

Pampas Grass from South America (Argentina)

Eucalyptus trees are typically from Australia

Tamarisk over-utilizes ground water, and causes many natural watering holes to go dry, killing animals and out-competing native plant species.