The Franciscan manzanita is a rare plant found only on San Francisco peninsula . It has been believed extinct since 1947 . `` This plant has been used to prevent erosion on our hillsides in the San Francisco area , so it is certainly of benefit to people as well as plants , '' Swenty added . A highway construction project removes trees covering the plant ; passing biologist notices it . The plant and its large root ball are relocated ; feds the shrub on endangered list .
The Franciscan manzanita is a rare plant found only on San Francisco peninsula . It has been believed extinct since 1947 . A highway construction project removes trees covering the plant ; passing biologist notices it . The plant and its large root ball are relocated ; feds the shrub on endangered list .