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Map Satellite On the Santa Rosa Plateau in the Santa Ana Mountains are several areas of botanical interest. (See also Mesa De Burro Orcuttia and Mesa De Colorado). Three rare plants are found on the plateau, Brodiaea orcuttii, Brodiaea filifolia, and Orcuttia californica var. californica. The latter is found only on the Mesa De Colorado; the Brodiaea filifolia is found there and elsewhere on the plateau. An excellent example of southern oak woodland occurs here. There are also grasslands, chamise chaparral and some riparian vegetation associations. Several vernal pools, which are becoming increasingly rare in the State, occur on the plateau. There is a wide variety of animals found in the area. Sightings of the endangered peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus, and the uncommon prairie falcon, Falco mexicanus, have been made here. Geologically, the area is complex, with Jurassic or Triassic metavolcanics intruded by Cretaceous granites. The mesas are primarily Pleistocene basaltic rock. Integrity: Much of the area is in working ranches and is grazed. There are roads and buildings in the area. A substantial portion is slated for development . August 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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