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crucifixion thorn
Scientific Name: Castela emoryi
Family: Simaroubaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: AZ (crucifixion thorn)
Crucifixion Thorn: A Thorny Tale of Desert Survival
The term "crucifixion thorn" refers to several different desert plants found in North America, most notably:
- Canotia holacantha
- Castela emoryi
Considerations for Pets
- Both Canotia holacantha and Castela emoryi are characterized by rigid, sharp branches or spines.
Considerations for Children
- Both Canotia holacantha and Castela emoryi are characterized by rigid, sharp branches or spines.
Canotia holacantha
Canotia holacantha, also known as crucifixion thorn or simply canotia, is a flowering shrub or small tree.
- Family: Celastraceae (Bittersweet Family)
- Common Names: Crucifixion thorn, Canotia, Corona de Cristo (Spanish), Junco (Spanish)
Distribution and Habitat: Canotia holacantha is endemic to the Sonoran Desert and southern Mojave Desert. It is also found in the far southwestern United States.
Morphological Characteristics: Canotia holacantha is an intricately branched, spiny shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It is bluish gray-green in color and has thick, rigid, sharp branches which perform photosynthesis in place of leaves.
Castela emoryi
Castela emoryi, also known as crucifixion thorn or Chaparro Armagosa, is another plant referred to as crucifixion thorn.
- Family: Simaroubaceae
- Synonyms: Holacantha emoryi (A. Gray)
- Common Names: Crucifixion Thorn, Chaparro Armagosa, Corona de Jesus, Emory's crucifixion-thorn, Corona de Cristo
Distribution and Habitat: Castela emoryi is native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, growing primarily in the Desert Mountains of Southern and Central California.
Morphological Characteristics: Castela emoryi is one of several leafless, very thorny shrubs or small trees of the southwestern desert areas of North America.
Other Plants Called "Crucifixion Thorn"
- Koeberlinia spinosa is referred to as crucifixion thorn, or althorn.
- Colletia cruciata, also called Colletia paradoxa.
Further Resources
- Biological Survey of Ironwood Forest National Monument
- Dave's Garden
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Wikimedia Commons
- Discover Life