Comarostaphylis is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the heath family (Ericaceae), order Ericales. The genus is native to the Americas, ranging from California in the southwestern United States south through Mexico to Panama. Plants in this genus are characteristically hairy and glandular, often with attractively shreddy, fibrous bark. They bear a strong resemblance to their close relatives the manzanitas (Arctostaphylos), and the two genera share the same chaparral and woodland habitats of the Pacific coast and montane regions of Mexico and Central America.
The genus comprises roughly 10–18 species, depending on circumscription, most of which are restricted to Mexico and Central America. The sole species occurring in California is Comarostaphylis diversifolia, known as Summer holly, which grows in chaparral communities. Like other members of the Ericaceae, species of Comarostaphylis typically produce small urn-shaped flowers and berry-like fruits that are relished by wildlife.
Etymology
The genus name Comarostaphylis derives from Greek: komaron (κόμαρον), the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), and staphylē (σταφυλή), meaning "bunch of grapes" or "cluster," referring to the clustered, berry-like fruits that resemble those of related genera in the Ericaceae.
Distribution
Comarostaphylis is native to the Americas, from California in the United States southward through Mexico and Central America to Panama. In California, C. diversifolia (Summer holly) occurs in chaparral communities across much of the state. The majority of species are found in Mexico and Central America.
Ecology
Species of Comarostaphylis are characteristic components of chaparral and related sclerophyllous shrubland communities. Comarostaphylis diversifolia, the California representative, is associated with chaparral habitats. Like other Ericaceae, species likely form ericoid mycorrhizal associations and their fruits provide food for birds and other wildlife.
