Nature Sunday: Manzanita Mysteries – Evolution in Action

Manzanita Mysteries: Evolution in Action on California’s Central Coast

This experience will start with a talk about manzanitas and then we’ll walk the Garden to examine the specimens that we have at the Garden. Dress appropriately for the weather and for an informative day!

• The floral diversity of California is known around the world as one of a few “hot spots”. There are several plant families here that are in the midst of an evolutionary process, hybridizing and creating new versions of themselves in real time.
• The genus Arctostaphylos – manzanita, has over 60 species, of which all occur within the state of California.  The center of diversity for manzanita is thought to be California’s central coast between the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara County.
• The range of variation within manzanitas will be discussed – the reason there are so many, why they appear to colonize unique locations, how to differentiate one from another and what the future may have in store.

Bio: Bill Waycott is co-owner/operator (along with his wife, Diana) of Nipomo Native Seeds, where they produce vegetable seeds, along with CA native plants and seeds. Bill has a PhD in plant genetics from UC Santa Cruz/Davis and has worked throughout his career in agriculture. Bill’s involvement with native plants dates back to his childhood, and over the years has promoted their use both through years of service with the California Native Plants Society and by donating native plants to non-profit organizations across California. Learn more at: Nipomo Native Seed