Niebla dactylifera

©The World Botanical Associates Web Page
Prepared by Richard W. Spjut
November 2005

Niebla and Vermilacinia (Ramalinaceae) from California and Baja California.  
Spjut, R.W., 1996. ISSN 0833-1475, 208 pp.  
Sida, Botanical Miscellany 14. Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Inc.

San Nicolas Island CA,
Timbrook & Kuizenga 728,
Mar 1983 (SBBG)

Map showing geographical occurrence

San Nicolas Island, CA
Foreman (COLO: L-44277)
Apr 1966, Holotype

 
   Niebla dactylifera is known only from San Nicolas Island.  It is distinct for its finger-like branchlets that develop from a well-developed base of caespitose palm-like branches (broad fan-like segments appearing digitately divided).  Niebla dissecta, a related sekikaic-acid species in the Channel Islands, and also mainland California, has more dichotomous branchlets, which lack the palm-like basal branches; also, its branching is more diffuse, not as intricate as further evident by the branchlets of N. dactylifera appearing more abruptly shorter towards apex.