Plant Family: Fagaceae
Kumeyaay name: synaaw
Scientific name: Quercus agrifolia
Common name: Coast Live Oak
Environment: In Balboa Park alongside the road at the top of a south facing hillside
Defining features of plant: Small, spiky leaves, dark green color, no acorns at this time of year.
Kumeyaay uses: Acorns were ground up and eaten.
Plant Family: Anacardiaceae
Kumeyaay name: ektii
Scientific name: Malosma laurina
Common name: Laurel Sumac
Environment: In Balboa Park on south-facing hillside, very hot location in the summer
Defining features of plant: Large graceful leaves with dramatic red stems.
Kumeyaay uses: Food and medicinal uses