Near Quitobaquito Springs in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument I saw a very striking shrub with ripe orange/red fruit.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheakh5MdyNwQxDEIPJVpjnyDNhaTcLtBC159uJkBbL53gJsR6GA1Vw4kSf6bD7_dC63Cl73KWHXI1cpnkExtbkCHo8WYvVX9_pilw540lj22L_TxxbaGKSoL38VcVpuGeOYeyRGAyAhjlO/s400/1a+AZ+desert-thorn.jpg) |
The thorn-berry, with red fruit just visible. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyxcxKgfiEBdC18c6f8J94iHMW0fLVWZ7vlHrCphvB8rSrfLkiUDG4Ihu_5iacrV0-cerwCJ6rUfnHseA7mgTLe9pNofrPMYfx_do5bCX_AJVXoZs6Ssvs_ZstZP6_GK63SU9nawJrsxZ/s400/1a1+AZ+desert-thron.jpg) |
Closer view. |
I've not been able to pin it down, but I think it may be what is known as the
Arizona desert-thorn (lysium exsertum), found only in small portions of Arizona, mostly the south, and into northern Mexico. It has green tear-drop shaped leaves and lavender flowers. The flowers, of course, turn into the fruit and the one I saw was in the fruit stage with the flowers all gone.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOV6JL7XthELoL29MLMbhN7ASZSIbVvUyGunTO0exmpcsxo4eqMu_qtMd-EGi3BqoOoAXrcaOepHxDlHxJROa2OPRAkaFoW40zE9ju1lC6dw8R_1FpGMBZP6D2X62rMW5WXa-ra4x2URQ/s400/2a1+AZ+desert-thorn.jpg) |
Closer view of the fruit. |
They look like tiny tomatoes. Can you eat them?
ReplyDeleteDID you eat them?
ReplyDelete