About Hoita strobilina (Hook. & Arn.) Rydb.
Hoita strobilina, (Hook. & Arn.) Rydb., is a rare legume species with the common names Loma Prieta leatherroot and Loma Prieta hoita. This plant is endemic to California, where it is only found in scattered populations in the San Francisco Bay Area. It grows in chaparral and woodland habitats of local mountains, most often on serpentine soil.
Hoita strobilina is a perennial herb that grows erect, reaching a maximum height close to one meter. Its large leaves are divided into three leaflets, each of which can grow up to 8 centimeters long, and can range in shape from lance-shaped to nearly round. The green above-ground plant tissue is typically glandular and covered in hairs. Its inflorescence is a raceme up to 13 centimeters long, which holds many pea-like flowers. Each flower is purple, sometimes with white sections, and measures between one and two centimeters long. The fruit produced by this plant is a dark brown or black, hairy, veiny legume pod.
