Authority:

Luteyn, James L., et al. 1995. Ericaceae, Part II. The Superior-Ovaried Genera (Monotropoideae, Pyroloideae, Rhododendroideae, and Vaccinioideae P.P.). Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 66: 560. (Published by NYBG Press)

Family:

Ericaceae

Synonyms:

Comarostaphylis costaricensis Small, Arctostaphylos costaricensis (Small) Standl., Arctostaphylos arbutoides var. costaricensis (Small) Wilbur & Luteyn

Description:

Description - Shrubs or small trees to 5 m; young twigs and petioles glabrous, often glaucous. Leaves glabrous below. Inflorescences glabrous or with slight pubescence. Flowers with calyx lobes, corollas, and ovary glabrous; n = 13 (Schierenbeck & Diggs, unpubl. data).

Discussion:

Except for the lack of leaf serrations, slightly denser inflorescences, and minor differences in leaf shape, C. arbutoides subsp. costaricensis morphologically approaches C. discolor subsp. discolor, from which it is separated geographically by several hundred kilometers. This similarity emphasizes the overall affinity between C. arbutoides and C. discolor.

Distribution and Ecology: Subspecies costaricensis is confined to the Cordillera Central of Costa Rica, known only from the type locality, Volcan Irazu, Cartago Province, and two other sites, Palmira in Alajuela Province and Volcan Barba in Heredia Province. The taxon occurs at elevations ranging from ca. 2500 to 3430 m. It is an important component of the ericaceous scrub on the crater rim of Volcan Irazi and is abundant in the otherwise nearly barren areas of volcanic ash. Dead stems on living plants are sometimes seen, possibly indicating recovery of the plants following damage by volcanic activity. The subspecies also extends into moist subalpine forests at lower elevations. Flowering and fruiting throughout the year

Distribution:

Costa Rica South America| Alajuela Costa Rica Central America| Cartago Costa Rica Central America| Heredia Costa Rica Central America|

Common Names:

anonillo, arrayán, madroño