Arctostaphylos

Stem - Usually red-stemmed, Arctostaphylos can range from completely smooth to grey-shreddy bark. In some species, stems can be found with tomentum, or hairs. About ⅓ of all species are Burl formers. Fruit - Classified as a drupe, Arctostaphylos fruit is commonly spheric. The seeds found within the mealy mesocarp are often called stones. ==Distribution==

to California. The majority of Arctostaphylos species can be found within the California floristic province. One species, however, A. uva-ursi (common bearberry), is adapted to arctic and subarctic climates and has a circumpolar distribution in northern North America, Asia and Europe. An unusual association of manzanita occurs on Hood Mountain, in Sonoma County, California, where stands of pygmy forest dominated by Hesperocyparis sargentii are found. == Evolution ==

Arctostaphylos falls within the Arbutoideae subfamily along with Arbutus, Arctous, Comarostaphylis, Ornithostaphylos, and Xylococcus. During the Oligocene geologic uplift and an altering climate restricted a majority of the group arbutoideae to western North America. Post Pleistocene, the growing changes in the edaphos along with climatic shifts and the incredibly unique topography within California, caused dramatic speciation, specifically within the genus Arctostaphylos. ==Fossil record==

One fossil fruit of †Arctostaphylos globula and several fossil fruits of †Arctostaphylos menzelii have been described from middle Miocene strata of the Fasterholt area near Silkeborg in Central Jutland, Denmark. == Ecology ==

Arctostaphylos can usually can be found on sites with poor soil. Mycorrhizal fungi are a large reason this genus can tolerate low nutrient conditions. Manzanitas have seed that is dispersed in a dormant stage, only germinating post fire due to chemicals found in smoke. Most species are obligate seeders, and population survival depends on post-fire recruitment.In Arctostaphylos, pollination of the unique urn shaped flowers is achieved through sonication or buzz pollination ==Cultivation==

Arctostaphylos are used in the horticultural trade across much of california. Prized for being drought tolerant, low maintenance and aesthetically interesting, Arctostaphylos hybrids and cultivars are common across many gardens. == Taxonomy ==

Ranges • Subgenus Micrococcus • Sect. Micrococcus • Subgenus Arctostaphylos, which has three sections: • Sect. Arctostaphylos • Sect. Foliobracteata • Sect. Pictobracteata • Unassigned See also the closely related genus Comarostaphylis, previously often included in Arctostaphylos. == References ==