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desert myrtlecroton
Scientific Name: Bernardia obovata
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Desert Myrtlecroton (Bernardia obovata)
The Desert Myrtlecroton, scientifically known as Bernardia obovata, is a shrub found in specific arid regions. This page provides information about its characteristics, distribution, and taxonomic details.
Considerations for Pets
- Belongs to the Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) family.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Bernardia obovata I.M. Johnst.
- Common Name: Desert Myrtlecroton
- Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Malpighiales
- Rank: Species
- Synonym: USDA Symbol: BEOB
- Other Common Names: Desert Myrtle-croton
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to L48 (Continental United States).
- Found in the Chihuahuan Desert Scrub region.
- Specific locations include the United States and Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila, Oaxaca).
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Irregularly shaped shrub, typically growing up to 3 feet tall.
- Young branches are green to brown and hairy.
- Develops a round-shaped shrub.
- Evergreen during the summer.
- Growth habit is erect, tending to grow in both height and width.
Bloom Information
- Bloom Color: Yellow
- Bloom Period: July to September (late spring to early fall)
Ecological Role
- Larvae of certain species develop in the fruits of Bernardia species.
Quirky Facts
- In the summer, the Desert Myrtlecroton assumes a purplish-red coloring.
- One source playfully describes the name: "Myrtle loves croton (myrtlecroton) which is obovata (obvious) to Bernardia who lives in the desert."
Further Information
- USDA Plants Database
- Texas Plant Information Database
- Discover Life
- Dave's Garden