Lyonia Preserve trail map
Click the numbered locations on the map for specific information.

24. Killer plant
Rosemary (Ceratiola ericoidev) is one of the species of plants that is found only in the scrub community. This plant is well adapted to the harsh living conditions found in the scrub. It has two sets of roots, one that penetrates deep into the soil, to reach the groundwater, and one set that sprawls out in every direction just under the surface. This second set of roots is used to soak up as much rainfall as possi 'ble before it drains into the soil. It is believed that the surface layer of roots produce a poison that kills other roots growing near them. This production of a herbicide by a plant is called allelopathy.

It is interesting to see that rosemary only germinated in root raked areas on bare soil, because, up until now, it was believed that this species could only germinate if the area had been burned by fire.

This is not the cooking herb commonly seen in grocery stores. Please do not harvest the leaves for tonight's spaghetti dinner!