Gum Bumelia
Chittamwood / Gum Bully
Sideroxylon lanuginosa
RANGE: Very uncommon
in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. It will be encountered only in southeastern
portions of the Sonoran Desert in shady, well watered canyons.
LEAVES: Oblong or spatulate leaves are soft hairy beneath. New leaves
are fuzzy on both surfaces, but the top surfaces soon becomes smooth.
FRUIT: Berry-like fruits are black, about 13 mm diameter.
SHRUB: A medium to large shrub in Arizona. Grows to small tree
size in Texas & n. Mexico. Cut twigs exude milky sap.
FLOWERS: Small, inconspicuous, white flowers occur in clusters.
ARMED: The twigs bear sharp, sturdy thorns.