Fauna
Plant

Laurel Sumac

Malosma laurina

Also known as Lentisco

Laurel sumac is an evergreen chaparral shrub with reddish twigs and aromatic leaves folded upward like shallow tacos. Broad cream flower clusters draw many insects, and established plants can resprout after fire from protected basal tissue.

Chaparral ShrubAromatic LeavesFire Resprouter
Laurel Sumac reference1 / 7
(c) Bri Weldon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthesis; roots absorb water and mineral nutrients
Predators
  • Leaf-feeding caterpillars
  • Scale insects
  • Browsing mammals
ThreatsUrban development, repeated severe fire, prolonged drought, and invasive plants
HabitatsCoastal sage scrub, chaparral, canyon slopes, foothills, and rocky coastal islands
Life spanA woody perennial that can persist for several decades
Classification
  1. OrderSapindales
  2. FamilyAnacardiaceae
  3. GenusMalosma
  4. SpeciesMalosma laurina
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Avoid breaking branches or crushing aromatic foliage, and remain on established paths.
Responsible observation
  • Leaves: Look for thick folded blades arranged on reddish twigs.
  • Flowers: Scan broad cream clusters for beetles, bees, and small wasps.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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