No images found for this plant ID: 3427.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "3427" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
pointleaf manzanita
Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos pungens
Family: Ericaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub, Subshrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Pointleaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens)
Arctostaphylos pungens, commonly known as pointleaf manzanita or Mexican manzanita, is a species native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant has stiff branches.
- Manzanita berries were used as food.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos pungens Kunth
- Common Names: Pointleaf manzanita, Mexican manzanita
- Family: Ericaceae (Heather Family)
- Synonyms: Arctostaphylos chaloneorum, Arctostaphylos pseudopungens, Arctostaphylos pungens ssp.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Southwestern United States (including Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico) and northern Mexico.
- Found in habitats such as juniper oak woodlands and the Peloncillo Mountains.
- Tolerates alkaline soil, sand, and clay.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- An evergreen shrub.
- Typically a knee- to thigh-high spreading shrub.
- Stiff branches with red bark.
- Bright-green oval leaves (pointy narrow leaves).
- Older stems have persistent, reddish, smooth bark.
- Twigs are sparsely short-hairy.
- Leaves are erect with a petiole of 4-8 mm.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects.
- Thrips (Thysanoptera) have been identified as pollinators.
- Subject to florivory and nectar-robbing.
Quirky Facts
- The name "Manzanita" translates to "Little Apple."
- Manzanita flowers can bloom as early as January.