Tetracoccus dioicus

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Tetracoccus dioicus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Picrodendraceae
Genus: Tetracoccus
Species:
T. dioicus
Binomial name
Tetracoccus dioicus

Tetracoccus dioicus, known by the common names red shrubby-spurge and Parry's tetracoccus, is a species of flowering plant.[1][2]

Distribution[edit]

The shrub native to the states of southwestern California and Baja California (México). In Southern California, populations are within Orange County, Riverside County, and San Diego County.[1]

It grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats below 1,000 metres (3,300 ft), in the South Coast region and Peninsular Ranges.[1][3]

Description[edit]

Tetracoccus dioicus is an erect shrub reaching about 2 metres (6.6 ft). It has gray-barked branches that are bright red when young.[3]

The stiff, leathery, yellowish-green leaves are opposite or clustered, often in threes, and they may be rolled lengthwise.[3]

The shrub bears staminate and pistillate flowers with red-yellow structures.[3] The bloom period is April and May.[1]

It produces distinctive four-lobed fruits which ripen to a bright red color.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Calflora: Tetracoccus dioicus
  2. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Tetracoccus dioicus". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d Jepson eFlora: Tetracoccus dioicus

External links[edit]