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Map Satellite Surrounded by an oil refinery, this tiny enclave preserves one of two existing remnants of the once extensive El Segundo dunes which supported a unique flora and fauna. Vegetative cover is mixed but is primarily coastal strand with such plants present as the non-native Cakile edentula, Ambrosia chamissonis (Franseria chamissonis ssp. bipinnatisecta), Abronia umbellata (a hybrid called subspecies variabilis), Ericameria ericoides, Heterotheca grandiflora, Eriogonum parvifolium, Salsola tragus, and Stephanomeria virgata. Of particular interest is the endangered butterfly, El Segundo Blue, Shijimiaeoides battoides allyni, which is restricted to the dunes. There are two other insects endemic to the dunes, moths of the family Phaloniidae, which may be found here. The area lies on a marine terrace cut in the Pleistocene and now overlain by sand dunes. Integrity: Though surrounded by a refinery, the area, while disturbed, supports these remnant populations. It is now protected by a fence. Use: Private Ref: Pierce, W. D. 1939. The Fauna and Flora of the El Segundo Sand Dunes. A General Ecology of the Dunes. Bull. So. Calif. Acad. Sci. 37, pp. 93-97. July 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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