Location + Site Description:
Ring mountain’s geographic coordinates are 37.9099° N, 122.4858° W. The elevation gain is about 602 feet where the hike path loops around at different inclines. The area was surrounded by grasses, the Poaceae family, consisting of rattlesnake grass and purple needle grass. Dominant species in this area consisted of flowers from the Asteraceae and Boraginaceae families. Besides the tall grasses, there were beautiful vibrant flowers that grow below the grasses and near rocks. Ring mountain offers beautiful views of the entire Bay Area where you can see the Richmond bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge!
Species description + Digital collections:
1. Calystegia purpurata
Calystegia purpurata is commonly known as the smooth western morning glory from the Convolvulaceae family. It is endemic to California where it grows on coastal areas and inland valleys. It has ‘purpurata’ because it has purple tips on the petals! The inflorescence produces 5 petals with a yellow stigma and center. It is known to grow low on the ground near rocks.
2. Phaecelia californica
Phaecelia californica is commonly known as the rock phacelia from the Boraginaceae family. This species is native to coastal northern California where it grows in grasslands and coastal bluffs. This flower seems like it could be in the Apiaceae family due to its dense inflorescence. When looked at it closely, it has multiple bell-shaped flowers with a coiling cyme inflorescence. It is quite beautiful with its lavender and gold colors!
3. Chlorogalum pomeridianum
Chlorogalum pomeridianum is commonly known as the amole or soap plant from the Agavaceae family (tequila)! It is found in the coast of California where it grows very low to the ground near rocks. The leaves are known to be called ‘wavy-leaf’ as there are noticeable long wavy leaves. Typically, there would be flowers that grow from a bulb, but it has not sprouted yet.
Narrative:
We left the USF campus at 1:00 pm and got back at 5:00pm. The drive there was wonderful, especially seeing the beautiful mansion houses! The beginning of the hike was pretty steady, but extremely hot and sunny to the point of getting a tan. The open grassland did not seem like there was a lot there due to the high grasses, but when you look down you see the vibrant low flowers in the area. The hike consisted of uphill and downhill loop which was probably about 2 miles or so with surrounds views of the bay area. After the hike, we got to go to In-N-Out (yay) and were able to meet up with Professor Paul’s daughter and her friends! Overall, the most interesting and fun field trip yet!!
