THE NORTH TEMPERATE ZONE 



137 



resembles a small palm tree, and the flexible trunk is perfectly 

 adapted to withstand the pounding of the surf, being so firmly 

 anchored to the rocks that it can be removed only by chopping 

 it loose. 



The flora of the sand-dunes is a very varied and attractive one, 

 and may be seen in perfection on the shores of the Monterey 

 peninsula. Especially conspicuous are the masses of bush- 



-Sand-dunes, Monterey Peninsula, California. 

 Monterey pine. 



The trees are 



lupins, with yellow, white and purple flowers, making a fine show 

 of color when in bloom. Other characteristic shrubs are species of 

 Ceanothus, "wild lilac," and "Cascara" (Rhamnus), as well as 

 willows, and several Compositae. Sometimes the Monterey pine 

 (Pinus radiata) and live oak (Quercus agrijolia) are found on the 

 inshore dunes, where they form dense low thickets. 



Besides grasses and sedges, there are a number of showy herba- 

 ceous plants, among which the yellow and pink umbels of the 

 " sand-verbenas" (Abronia) are conspicuous. 



Where there are bluffs back of the dunes, upon them are found 

 a number of striking flowers, which may also invade the dunes. 

 A large Mesembryanthemum {M. aequilaterale) is very common, 



