Celtis pallida
in W. H. Emory, Rep. U.S. Mex. Bound. 2: 203. 1859.
Shrubs, to 3 m; crowns rounded. Bark gray, smooth. Branches spreading, flexuous, whitish gray, with thorns, puberulent; thorns single or in pairs, 3-25 mm. Leaf blade ovate to ovate-oblong, to 2-3 × 1.5-2 cm, thickish, margins entire or crenate-dentate, apex rounded to acute; surfaces scabrous. Inflorescences cymes, 3-5-flowered, longer than petiole, flowers mostly staminate on proximal branches, terminal flower bisexual. Drupes orange, yellow, or red, ovoid, 6-7 mm; pedicel 1-2 mm.
Phenology: Flowering late winter–spring (Mar–May).
Habitat: In deserts, canyons, mesas, washes, foothills, thickets, brushland, and grassland near gravelly or well-drained sandy soil
Elevation: 1000-1300 m
Distribution
Ariz., Fla., N.Mex., Tex., Mexico, Central America, South America (to n Argentina).
Discussion
Celtis pallida is closely related to C. iguanaea (Jacquin) Sargent from Mexico. Reports of C. iganaea from Florida and Texas are unconfirmed. Celtis iguanaea can be identified by its longer leaves (to 4 cm wide), small fruits (4-5 mm), and single thorns. Its fruits have acid, juicy pulp.
Selected References
None.