Pictured to the left is a species of wild mushroom called the shaggy parasol, which grows in damp, shady, moist, warm environments. Small bunches of these can be found near the Pinnacles National Park reservoir. Like most other fungi, the shaggy parasol aids the breakdown of decaying organic matter.
An example of bacteria that can be found in Pinnacles is Chlorobium. This microscopic organism thrives beneath the surface of water and uses sunlight for energy. It is helpful in its ecosystem because it produces sulfates, which can be used by many other aquatic organisms.
The image above is paramecium, a type of protist found in Pinnacles. Although it appears very simple, this single celled organism is capable of moving, reproduction, and digestion. They are mostly found in bodies of water and feed on potentially harmful substances, such as bacteria, yeast, and certain algae.
Plants in Pinnacles
Non-Vascular Pinnacles is home to the rare species of lichen, texosporium sancti-jacobi, which grows on decaying plant matter, such as dead tree trunks. As the plant ages, the bright green color is lost and becomes a deep grey with an ashy border
Seedless Vascular The California Polypody is a seedless vascular plant that grows in Pinnacles. It is a fern, which means it has stems, leaves, and roots like most other plants, but produces no seeds. Instead there are small spores on the backs of its waxy leaves which are carried around by wind.
Gymnosperm The gray pine is a gymnosperm that can be found in every corner of Pinnacles. Its ability to adapt to its surrounding makes it easy to grow on the steep cliff sides and dry areas. The needles of this pine tree are actually green, but a waxy coating makes them appear gray from afar. They take up most of the coniferous forests found in Pinnacles.
Angiosperms Dicotyledon: Small, dainty wildflowers, are found lining running streams and shady, moist hillsides in Pinnacles. Milkmaids are named so for their bright white color.
Monocotyledon: Fiddlenecks are found scattered throughout open fields in Pinnacles. The bright yellow flowers gather at the end of the stem where the twirl of the stem resembles a "fiddle."