Wolfberry
Arizona Desert-Thorn
Lycium exsertum
This photo was taken at Hedgepeth Hills, Maricopa County, Arizona on 03 Feb. 2008. The photograph is available in higher resolution at the Wikimedia Project.
FLOWERS: Small tubular flowers are very pale, or whitish-green
with slight brown or purple tinge. They tend to hang downwards (pendulant) and there is
an abundance of glandular hairs on the calyx.
FRUIT: Bright red berries with flavor of tomatoes containing several
seeds.
LEAVES: Elyptic or spatulate leaves are 1 to 2 cm long.
SHRUB: A medium to large shrub with rigid branches and not-so-sharp
thorns.
RANGE: Common on rocky slopes and bajadas. May be present with one or
more other species of Lycium.
ARMED: Twig-ends are pointed, but not terribly sharp on most plants.