Crucifixion Thorn (Canotia holacantha), U.S.D.A. Drawing, courtesy Hunt Institute
USDA: 9-11
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Sonoran Desert: southwestern Arizona, southeastern California, Baja California, Sonora, in dry, rocky slopes and washes, from 500 to 4500 feet elevation
Growth Habits: Large shrub or small tree, up to 10 feet tall; bluish gray-green, rigid branches; tipped with sharp thorns; leaves reduced to deciduous scales
Watering Needs: Little water once established
Propagation: Seed
This tree is also sometimes known locally as paloverde, because of its general appearance. It is not related to the real paloverde (genus Parkinsonia).
Blooming Habits:
The Crucifixion Thorn is dioecious. It bears inconspicuous reddish-brown, 5-petaled flowers, less than 0.5 inch wide (12 mm), in axillary clusters. It blooms in late spring to early summer.
Fruiting Habits:
The female shrubs bear persistant clusters of woody reddish-brown capsules with 5 valves, each about 0.5 inch long (12 mm).
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