A Newly Discovered Large and Significant Population of Castela emoryi (Emory’s Crucifixion Thorn, Simaroubaceae) in California

Abstract

Castela emoryi is an understudied species, and recent visits to populations across California have shed new light on its distribution and biology, including recruitment, natural history, and herbivory. Field exploration in Rice Valley in Riverside County revealed what is considered to be the largest population of C. emoryi in California. Possible threats and conservation needs of this species are discussed.