Ione manzanita

Arctostaphylos myrtifolia Parry

Arctostaphylos myrtifolia, known as Ione manzanita, is a rare species endemic to the Sierra Nevada foothills of California. It is found in chaparral and woodland habitats on acidic soils of the Eocene-era Ione Formation, specifically in western Amador and northern Calaveras counties. The species is listed as federally threatened due to its limited distribution and only eleven known occurrences, three of which have not been recorded since 1976.

Description

Arctostaphylos myrtifolia is a member of the Ericaceae family and was first described by Parry in 1887. It is restricted to a narrow geographic range in California, where it grows in specific soil conditions. The plant is considered a threatened species due to its small number of populations and the potential for habitat loss. Conservation efforts are important to protect this species and its unique ecological niche.