Ice Plant - Garrapata Beach State Park, CA
Ice Plant - Garrapata Beach State Park, CA
Ice Plant (Aizoaceae)
This photo is from my very first westward journey since I started my photography business. I have yet to be back to this particular area of California, but can’t wait until I can be. This photo was taken 4/27/21 at 5:33 pm.
WeForest Donation: $20 (What is this?)
Print Number: 1/100
Print Size: 3 × 3 in.
Total Dimensions: 6.5 × 10 in.
The PHOTOGRAPH
Ice Plant (Aizoaceae)
This succulent is pervasive along California’s coasts, spanning out in large mats, covering dunes and cliff sides all over the state. Although pretty, it is actually an invasive species that has completely taken over to the detriment of a dozen or so similar, native species. Originally introduced to California in the early 1900’s in an attempt to prevent erosion, it has thrived more than could have been imagined when it was brought over from South Africa. Ironically and sadly, it has not even helped with erosion as it has shallow roots and as it grows and spreads along a cliffside or dune it becomes quite heavy, straining the topsoil in which its roots stay.
The LOCATION
Garrapata Beach State Park, CA
Located about 18 miles North of Big Sur, Garrapata Beach State Park is a lovely, ocean side park with 2 miles of coastline, multiple hiking trails, and an accessible beach. From the cliffside hiking trails you are overlooking the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary where Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, and Otters are all prevalent. California Gray Whales are also seen in this area during yearly migrations.
The FRAME
Pecky Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
Known as Bald Cypress, this giant of the swamp is native to the southeastern United States. It can adapt to thrive in a wide range of soils, including very briny, salty, and water soaked areas. The pecky nature of the wood is created by a fungus that attacks the tree and eats away at its truck from the inside out. When the tree is cut down the fungus dies and leaves behind the beautiful architecture of its destruction. All of the Bald Cypress I have used in my frames has come from different parts of Louisiana.
