Page 7 - ra_culturallandscape2005

·· Discussion and Recommendations

A total of thirty-one (31) plants were mapped and evaluated. Although several of
the species appeared to lack historical or botanical relevance, their on-site
existence within the focus area precluded their inclusion for potential future
. planning·analysis.

The Rose species, Bougainvillea and Poinsettia adjacent to the winery
appear as relatively new plantings with no. site historical significance· (No.
· 4 -8 & 10 -11). Removal of these plants would not affect the cultural or
heri~age aspects of preservation planning. It also should.be noted that the
Eugenia shrubs (No. 24 & 27),: Hollywood Juniper (23), Oleander, Eugenia
hedge and Ficus. (31) surroundjng the Nachito vel Valley Adobe (Visitor
·. Center}' are either in /poor condition or represent plantings since the 1920' s
historical period. Only the Eugenia hedge and large Eugenia shrub mass
Number 24 merit consideration for preservation. · ·

. Three (3)ofthe deciduous fruittrees.atthe north end of the orchard and the
Italian Cypress {No. 23) are r~commended for removar due to declining
health· and poor· fonn. These tre·es are beyond remediation for potential
. development into long'term desirable specimens. .

Climbing the east wall of the Winery is a unique epiphytic cactus,
Hylocereus undatus {Number 9) ... Based on the size of this specimen, it ·
appears that this was one of the original ranch plantings. It is indigenous to
tropical forest regions· of Mexico and C~ntral and South Am~rica where
natives commonly call it 'Pitaya'. In Asia; it is called tlie 'Dragon Fruit'.
The cactus produces a nocturnal blooming white flower followed with a 4"
red oval fruit that· is edibI~ and considered to have good flavor and·
· sw~etness.. The fruitis consumed 'fresh and has be·en developed· into a
: conunercial crop in manyregions ofthe world.

The Pitahaya cac.tus is worthy of preservation as p~ of the original heritage
site; Depending on the proposed.~enovationofthe Winery, this plant may
require ~emoval but is· easily. propagated for replantin,g.

. .
Although tµe three{3) Schinus mo/le (California Pepper) numbered 1, 2 and· · ··
3 appear relatively healthy all three trees· ·exhibit significantdefects/ . Tree .. ,
numbet:one .has.trunk and branch cavitiesand·dieback. Tree number two is
'a regrowth from ad~cayed trunk. Tree nUinber three has a major trunk
. cavity with active decay and exhibits a weak branch structure.

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