MTRP SEC II CHAPARRAL

The Mission Trails Regional Park have a good amount of Biodiversity. The Chaparral part of this region defines its biodiversity. Chaparral species such as Caterpillar Phacelia, Chalk Dudleya, California Buckwheat, Wild cucumber, and White horehound are examples of what I have found and identified. These plants have different appearances however they all have characteristics that in able them to survive and adapt to its environment. Caterpillar Phacelia have smaller leaves with spikes segments which eliminates transpiration, which aids this plant drought tolerant. Chalk Dudleya on the other hand are water succulent plants and are covered with a dense coating of chalky, powdery wax which helps them to tolerate high temperatures. California Buckwheat are also water efficient plants, they also have small leaves with moisture conserving hairs. Wild cucumber however have smooth green stems which helps them to produce food and seal in moisture. Lastly white horehound are also a plant that flourish in a hot climate as they also have small leaf size. All these plants species are able to survive by their reduce leaf size, and have smooth green bark on stems and trunks serving them to both produce food and seal in moisture. In thus, they are all water efficient plants and are able to grow on dry, poor soil.

Posted on June 25, 2016 12:17 AM by inahmarie7