Status:
valid
Authors:
Cav.
Source:
tro
Year:
1800
Citation Micro:
Anales Hist. Nat. 2: 120 (1800)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001146314
Common Names
- Larrea Nitida
- Shiny Larrea
- Shiny Creosote Bush
Description
Larrea nitida (also called Shiny Larrea, among many other common names) is a shrub native to South America. It has a woody stem and its leaves are alternate and simple, with an oblong-elliptic shape. It grows in moist forests and thickets.
Uses & Benefits
Larrea nitida is used as an ornamental plant, for its medicinal properties, and as a source of fuel and fodder.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Larrea nitida has yellow flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The seeds are small, black and have a smooth surface. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of cotyledons.
Cultivation and Propagation
Larrea nitida can be propagated by division or seed. It prefers moist soils in full sun or partial shade. It is drought tolerant once established.
Where to Find Larrea nitida
Larrea nitida is native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It can be found in dry, open desert habitats.
Species in the Larrea genus
Species in the Zygophyllaceae family
Balanites aegyptiaca,
Balanites angolensis,
Balanites glabra,
Balanites maughamii,
Balanites pedicellaris,
Balanites rotundifolia,
Balanites roxburghii,
Balanites triflora,
Balanites wilsoniana,
Balanites aegyptiacus,
Balanites wilsonianus,
Bulnesia chilensis,
Bulnesia foliosa,
Bulnesia retamo,
Bulnesia rivas-martinezii,
Bulnesia schichendanzii,
Bulnesia schickendantzii,
Guaiacum coulteri,
Guaiacum officinale,
Guaiacum palmeri,
Guaiacum sanctum,
Guaiacum unijugum,
Guaiacum nellii,
Kallstroemia pubescens,
Kallstroemia maxima,
Kallstroemia californica,
Kallstroemia grandiflora,
Kallstroemia hirsutissima,
Kallstroemia parviflora,
Kallstroemia perennans,
Kallstroemia adscendens,
Kallstroemia tucumanensis,
Kallstroemia tribuloides,
Kallstroemia incana,
Kallstroemia rosei,
Kallstroemia boliviana,
Kallstroemia pennellii,
Kallstroemia peninsularis,
Kallstroemia standleyi,
Kallstroemia mexicana,
Kallstroemia curta,
Kallstroemia hintonii,
Kelleronia gillettiae,
Kelleronia splendens,
Kelleronia revoilii,
Larrea simulans,
Larrea ameghinoi,
Larrea divaricata,
Larrea cuneifolia,
Larrea nitida,