Monterey cypress ~ 10/23/05 ~ Point Lobos

Monterey cypress
Hesperocyparis macrocarpa (formerly Callitropsis or Cupressus)
CNPS 8th Edition Inventory
Cupressaceae

If there is one tree that distinguishes this area from any others, the Monterey cypress is it. Click on the links above to learn more about this lonely looking tree hanging on a cliff.

ps 03/18/11 - For other pictures of how our local cliffs affect life, see bigsurkate.

pss 10/22/11 - I noticed the name change as I looked up a new post of green algae that grows on Monterey cypress.

Pinnacles National Monument - west entrance
April 17, 2005

Chinese houses ~ 04/17/05 ~ Pinnacles

Chinese houses
Collinsia heterophylla
Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)

venus thistle

Cirsium occidentale var. venustum

Asteraceae

Coast horned lizard
Phrynosoma blainvillii

I love these little guys. They're really cute, but so hard to spot.

turtles