Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Ziziphus obtusifolia (Hooker ex Torrey & Gray) Gray var. obtusifolia
(Lotebush)

Family: Rhamnaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Condalia lycioides (Gray) Weberbauer
Rhamnus obtusifolia Hooker ex Torrey & Gray
Zizyphus lycioides Gray

Ziziphus obtusifolia var. obtusifolia is a rigid shrub of lower elevations that looks to be more branch than bush. The branching pattern gives the plant a "zigzag" appearance. It has small green leaves and oval purple fruits. The newer branches have long sharp spines.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Ziziphus obtusifolia var. obtusifolia, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., Engineer Canyon, Apr. 12, 2008



Ziziphus obtusifolia var. obtusifolia, pedicillate purple fruit with blush, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., Engineer Canyon, Apr. 12, 2008



Ziziphus obtusifolia var. obtusifolia, long spines, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., Engineer Canyon, Dec. 29, 2008


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