| Ornithostaphylos | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Subfamily: | Arbutoideae |
| Genus: | Ornithostaphylos Small |
| Species: | O. oppositifolia
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Ornithostaphylos is a monotypic plant genus which contains the single species Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia, commonly known as the Baja California birdbush or Baja California manzanita.[1] A large, evergreen shrub in the heather family, this species is near-endemic to northwestern Baja California, with a small population just north of the border in San Ysidro, California. It produces a much-branched inflorescence of white, urn-shaped flowers, and has leathery leaves that appear opposite or in whorls.[3] These characteristics separate it from its close relatives in the region, which include manzanitas (Arctostaphylos), summer holly (Comarostaphylis) and mission manzanita (Xylococcus).[4]
- ^ a b "Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia". NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia: NatureServe. 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
- ^ "Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
- ^ Rebman, Jon P.; Roberts, Norman C. (2012). Baja California Plant Field Guide. San Diego: Sunbelt Publications. p. 228. ISBN 978-0-916251-18-5.
- ^ STEVENS, P. (2008-06-28). "A classification of the Ericaceae: subfamilies and tribes". Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. 64: 1–53. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8339.1971.tb02133.x. Retrieved 24 January 2022.