Texas Mountain Laurel
Texas Mescal-bean
Calia secundiflora
(Sephora secundiflora)
Observed under cultivation at Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior, Arizona, USA. 8 March 2014.
RANGE: Native to Texas and southeastern New Mexico, but now frequently planted in Arizona xeriscape gardens.
SHRUB: Large shrub or small tree.
FLOWERS: Dark purple pea-flowers are large, fragrant and borne in large clusters.
FRUIT: Sturdy bean pods contain red beans and the pods are constricted between each bean.
UNARMED. The thornless nature is another reason this plant is popular with gardeners.
LEAVES: Once compound leaves are dark green and a stiff.
Many species of bees were visiting the flowers at Boyce-Thompson:
