Endemic Plants

Catalina endemic plants are species that occur naturally on Santa Catalina Island and nowhere else in the world.* A restricted (endemic) island distribution may result from the gradual elimination of a species on the mainland and its persistence on the isolated island(s), where the threat of extinction may be less. The island ironwood (Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. floribundus), present on the mainland from six to nineteen million years ago, but extinct there now, exemplifies this phenomenon.

	Catalina Ironwood Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. floribundus 20,000 years ago, this unique sub-species of ironwood tree grew abundantly on the mainland. Now, this tree exists nowhere else in the world but Catalina.
	Catalina Mahogany Cercocarpus traskiae The rarest of the Catalina endemics. Only seven of these small shrubs or trees occur naturally in a single canyon.
	St. Catherine's Lace Eriogonum giganteum var. giganteum Grows on dry, rocky slopes throughout Catalina's interior. Changes with the seasons - from white in the spring, to beige, light brown, then deep russet in the fall.
	Catalina Live-Forever Dudleya hassei The only Catalina endemic which is a succulent. Look for it on the slope at the foot of the Wrigley Memorial.
	Catalina Manzanita Arctostaphylos catalinae When the manzanita fruit ripens, its color resembles the brilliant wine-red bark - and the ground squirrels love it.
	Catalina Bedstraw Galium catalinense ssp. catalinense A perennial herb found mostly on rocky outcroppings on the lee side of Catalina.
	Yerba Santa Eriodictyon traskiae This evergreen shrub has a pungent fragrance and sprawling growth habit.
	Wild Tomato Solanum wallacei A member of the deadly nightshade family, the large, purple-black berries are certainly not to be eaten - they're highly poisonous!
Other Plants Native to Catalina
	Toyon or California Holly Heteromeles arbutifolia Also called Christmas berry, because the clusters of holly-like berries remain red through the Christmas season.
	Catalina Cherry Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii The large-pitted fruit is not particularly tasty, but was still an important fresh fruit of the Catalina indians. Used today as an ornamental tree for landscaping.
	Lemonade Berry Rhus integrifolia The plant's sticky lemony residue was also used by the Catalina indians for a refreshing drink.
	Catalina Currant Ribes viburnifolium Used in landscaping as a native ground cover for shady areas. Extremely fragrant.
* Santa Catalina Island is home to 6-9 endemic plant species. The range is explained by the fact that plant taxonomy is a changing science. As new research leads to greater understanding of plant species, classifications and names sometimes change.