Bernardia
Bernardia incana
B. myricifolia
An iridescent blue flea beetle (Chrysomelidae:Alticinae) is often associated with this shrub and leaves pock marks where it has fed on the thick leaves.
RANGE: Not
uncommon in its restricted habitat at the bases of steep, north-facing cliffs in the desert
mountains. It can be found at Camelback Mountain, Phoenix and
Picacho Peak, Arizona.
SHRUB: An inconspicuous, evergreen shrub growing most commonly in the partial shade
cast by north facing cliffs.
FRUIT: Spherical and conspicuously three-parted capsules about 7 mm dia.
LEAVES: Olive-green leaves have crenulate margins and are slightly fleshy. During
extended drought the plants are sparsely leaved. Leaves turn yellow-orange before dying.
FLOWERS: Small, greenish and inconspicuous.
UNARMED
KOFA Mts, Yuma Co., Arizona. Dec. 2018