Description

The Catalina crossosoma is a rare plant in California, a rare find on Catalina Island, San Clemente Island and Isla Guadalupe off the coast of Baja, Mexico. It also makes a sparse appearance on the mainland on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It grows as a large shrub with multiple upright branches with furrowed silver bark and oval-lance shaped leaves somewhat reminiscent of those of a carpenteria. The branchlets have a thorny tip. The pendent white flowers have five wrinkled petals and yellow centers. The leaves may be deciduous in dry conditions. This unusual plant appreciates well-draining soil and some protection from the afternoon sun.