Arctostaphylos pungens

Common Name: Pointleaf Manzanita
Oˊodham Name: Iˊolkam
Group: Shrubs － Chaparral, Madrean Woodland (lower)

Description

Arctostaphylos pungens is a large, evergreen shrub having thick branches, smooth red bark, and leathery green leaves. In May, the species produces large numbers of small fruit, or "little apples", from which the plant derives its common name, Manzanita. This species is widespread above 4000 feet in the mountains of Pima County, growing in diverse habitats ranging from cliff faces to coarse sandy soils. The key character is its combination of brilliant green leaves and thick, twisted branches with smooth, red bark. The Tohono O'odham name, Iˊolkam, translates as "Red Stick".

Classification

Kingdom Plantae － Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta － Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta － Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta － Flowering plants

Class Magnoliopsida － Dicotyledons

Subclass Dilleniidae

Order Ericales

Family Ericaceae － Heath family

Genus Arctostaphylos Adans. － manzanita

Species Arctostaphylos pungens Kunth － pointleaf manzanita

More Information

USDA Plant Profile and Map