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birchleaf mountain mahogany

Scientific Name: Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber

Family: Rosaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides)

The Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany, scientifically known as Cercocarpus betuloides, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and ecological significance. This shrub or small tree belongs to the rose family and is found in specific regions of North America.

Common Names

  • Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany
  • Mountain Mahogany
  • Birch leaf mountain mahogany
  • California Mountain Mahogany
  • Hardtack

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cercocarpus betuloides Torrey &amp A. Gray
  • Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
  • Genus: Cercocarpus
  • Synonyms:
    • Cercocarpus montanus Raf.
    • Cercocarpus montanus Raf. var. glaber (S. Watson) F.L. Martin
  • Varieties:
    • Cercocarpus betuloides var. betuloides
    • Cercocarpus betuloides var. Multiflorus

Considerations for Pets

  • The common name "mahogany" refers to the hardness of the wood, which might present a chewing hazard for some pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The common name "mahogany" refers to the hardness of the wood.

Distribution and Habitat

This species is commonly found in the California chaparral. It thrives in dry, rocky areas and is present where the Upland Sonoran Desert of Arizona meets the Interior Chaparral, often above 1200 m elevation.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a shrub or small deciduous tree, typically reaching up to 20 feet in height.
  • It can take the form of a shrub or small tree.

Traditional Uses

  • Among the Apache and White Mountain peoples, the wood charcoal was powdered and applied to burns as a dressing.

Quirky Facts

  • The genus name Cercocarpus is derived from Greek, meaning "tailed fruit," referring to the plant's distinctive fruit structure.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • There is a mention of a day-flying moth, Annaphila decia, being observed near the plant.

Further Information

  • Intermountain Herbarium: http://herbarium.usu.edu/
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Dave's Garden
  • Atlas of the United States Trees by Elbert L. Little
  • natureid.blogspot.com/2014/03/annaphila-decia-030914- pinn
  • CalPhotos