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Larrea tridentata

Species category

Shrub or Tree, Weed

Common name

creosote bush

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

NutletNutlet:
A small, dry, indehiscent carpel of a fruit, usually composed of one quarter of the fruit with each enclosing a single seed (e.g. mints).

Shape

Oblanceolate

Size

  • Length 4–5 mm
  • Width 0.5–0.8 mm
  • Thickness 0.5–0.8 mm

Color

Brown

Texture

DorsalDorsal:
Upper side or back of a seed or fruit.
 side is densely covered with long hairs.

Other structures

VentralVentral:
Adaxial; of the side of an organ facing the axis (compare dorsal).
side is glabrousGlabrous:
Lacking hairs or pubescence.
.

Identification notes

FruitFruit:
A mature ovary and any associated parts.
 splits into five indehiscent single-seeded nutletsNutlet:
A small, dry, indehiscent carpel of a fruit, usually composed of one quarter of the fruit with each enclosing a single seed (e.g. mints).
.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Zygophyllaceae

Valid name

Larrea tridentata (DC.) Coville

Larrea tridentata. The dorsal side of the fruit is densely covered with long hairs.
Larrea tridentata. The dorsal side of the fruit is densely covered with long hairs.
Larrea tridentata. The fruit splits into five indehiscent, one-seeded nutlets. 
Larrea tridentata. The fruit splits into five indehiscent, one-seeded nutlets.