Cnidoscolus angustidens facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cnidoscolus angustidens
Scientific classification
Genus:	Cnidoscolus
Species:	angustidens

Cnidoscolus angustidens, also known as mala mujer, is a fascinating plant that lives for many years. It belongs to the spurge family, which is a large group of plants called Euphorbiaceae.

This plant is famous for its common name, "mala mujer," which means "bad woman" in Spanish. It earned this name because it has tiny stinging hairs. If you touch these hairs, they can cause a rash or make your skin feel itchy and uncomfortable.

Where Does the Mala Mujer Plant Grow?

The mala mujer plant is originally from the Sonoran Desert mountains. You can find it in places like southeastern Arizona and northwestern Mexico. It also grows further south in other parts of Mexico. This plant is well-adapted to living in dry, desert environments.

Why is it Called "Bad Woman"?

The name "mala mujer" is a warning! It refers to the plant's special defense mechanism. The tiny hairs on its stems and leaves are like small needles. When they touch your skin, they release a substance that causes irritation. This is the plant's way of protecting itself from animals that might try to eat it. It's a clever way for the plant to say, "Stay away!"

Different Types of Mala Mujer

Just like there can be different types of dogs or cats, there are also different types of the mala mujer plant. These are called subspecies. They are all part of the same main species but have slight differences, often based on where they grow. Here are some of the known subspecies:

• Cnidoscolus angustidens subsp. angustidens - This type is found in Arizona and Mexico.
• Cnidoscolus angustidens subsp. calyculatus - You can find this subspecies in the Mexican state of Michoacán.
• Cnidoscolus angustidens subsp. dentatus - This one grows in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Guerrero, and Puebla.
• Cnidoscolus angustidens subsp. orbiculatus - This subspecies is found in central and southern Mexico.