Arizona Rosewood
Vauquelinia californica
Photographed along the Apache Trail northeast of Apache Junction, Maricopa Co., Arizona. June 2009.
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RANGE: Along the southern and eastern boundaries of the Sonoran Desert, at the higher elevations where Interior Chaparral begins to take over. Mostly above 1000 m elevation. At lower elevations mostly on bajadas or in partially shaded drainages. A small, isolated population exists in the Hieroglyphic Mountains of Yavapai Co., Arizona.
LEAVES: Dark green, tough, leathery leaves are elongate to linear and
evergreen. The leaves are alternate on the stem and the leaf margins are
serrate.
FRUIT: Small, dry capsules.
SHRUB: A large shrub or occasionally tree-like with a single trunk low
on the plant. Plants 3 to 5 m tall
plants are typical.
FLOWERS: Dense clusters of small, fragrant white flowers each with five
petals and many stamens appear May to June.
UNARMED: The twigs are stiff but lack thorns.