Tetracoccus dioicus explained

Tetracoccus dioicus, known by the common names red shrubby-spurge and Parry's tetracoccus, is a species of flowering plant.[1]

Distribution

The shrub native to the states of southwestern California and Baja California (México). In Southern California, populations are within Orange County, Riverside County, and San Diego County.[1]

It grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats below 1000m (3,000feet), in the South Coast region and Peninsular Ranges.[1] [2]

Description

Tetracoccus dioicus is an erect shrub reaching about 2m (07feet). It has gray-barked branches that are bright red when young.[2]

The stiff, leathery, yellowish-green leaves are opposite or clustered, often in threes, and they may be rolled lengthwise.[2]

The shrub bears staminate and pistillate flowers with red-yellow structures.[2] The bloom period is April and May.[1]

It produces distinctive four-lobed fruits which ripen to a bright red color.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Tetracoccus+dioicus Calflora: Tetracoccus dioicus
  2. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=46211 Jepson eFlora: Tetracoccus dioicus