Chuparosa
Beloperone
Justicia californica
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FLOWERS: Red, 2-lipped, long-tubular flowers with 2 stamens. Flowering
peaks in spring and again after summer rains but flowers may be found
sporadically throughout the year. Flowers in racemes from leaf axils and at
branch tips.
UNARMED.
SHRUB: A large, rounded shrub up to 2 m tall with smooth green stems.
Very often growing beneath and up through larger shrubs and trees along wash
banks.
LEAVES: Leaves are drought and frost deciduous so that the shrub may be LEAFLESS
for extened periods. When present the leaves are heart shaped.
RANGE: This plant is widespread throughout the Sonoran Desert and is
quite common in places but is sporadic. Wash banks and on bajadas.
FRUIT: Dry capsule.
Nearly throughout the year Chuparosa will have at least a few flowers. This is fortunate for the hummingbird populations that make use of this nectar source. Where Chuparosa is found it frequently forms rather dense stands along washes becoming one of the locally dominant plants. Such is the abundance of this plant along washes in the Ajo, Tabletop and McDowell Mountains.