Allthorn Goatbush (Castela texana) (Torrey et Gray, 1840)

 

Synonyms: Castela erecta subsp. texana, Castela nicholsonii var. texana, Allthorn, Amargosa

 

Castela texana is an evergreen spiny shrub found in south-eastern Texas and north-eastern Mexico; it is often associated with Tamaulipan thornscrub ecosystem. Up to 3 m in height. The twigs are stiff with white pubescence, and end in spines; there are also short spines at the leaf bases. Leaves are alternate simple, oblong to elliptic, almost sessile, dark green and glabrous above, and pubescent below, 0.5-2.5 cm long. Flowers are tiny, red, clustered in the leaf axils; 4 petals; blooming in March-May. The fruit are red, fleshy drupes. Formerly, included in Castela erecta.

 

		24667 Allthorn Goatbush (Castela texana) Chihuahua Woods Preserve Hidalgo County Texas, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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