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Amyris texana
Species of flowering plant From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Amyris texana, commonly known as the Texas torchwood or chapotillo, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae.[1][2] It is native to southern Texas, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.[3] It is a perennial shrub reaching 6 ft (1.8 m) in height and is found in the Tamaulipan mezquital ecoregion.[1][4]
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Description
Texas torchwood grows to a height of 4 to 6 ft (1.2 to 1.8 m) and roughly the same width.[5] Its leaves are evergreen with three pairs of leaflets, and they "smell like citrus when crushed."[6] Small, cream-colored flowers bloom in clusters from March until October or November.[7] Dark purple fruits form when the flowers have been pollinated, each containing one seed. The bark is mottled and lacks thorns.[8]
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Ecology
Texas torchwood is both a drought-resistant and freeze-hardy shrub.[5][7] It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, bees, and other pollinators.[7] Giant swallowtail butterflies exclusively lay their eggs on the young leaves of Texas torchwood and a handful of other plants.[9]
Gallery
Texas torchwood (Amyris texana) observed in Hidalgo County, Texas. Photo by Douglas Goldman.
Texas torchwood (Amyris texana) observed in Hidalgo County, Texas. Photo by Douglas Goldman.
Torchwood, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Mission, Hidalgo County, March 2023.
Texas torchwood (Amyris texana) observed in Hidalgo County, Texas. Photo by Douglas Goldman.
References
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