Spiny redberry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spiny redberry |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Rhamnus
|
| Species: |
crocea
|
 |
|
| Natural range | |
Rhamnus crocea, also known as the spiny redberry, is a type of plant that belongs to the Rhamnaceae family. It's a shrub that grows naturally in parts of California, Arizona, and Baja California in Mexico. There are two main kinds, or subspecies, of spiny redberry: Rhamnus crocea subsp. crocea (which is just called redberry buckthorn) and Rhamnus crocea subsp. pilosa (known as hollyleaf buckthorn).
What is the Spiny Redberry?
The spiny redberry is an evergreen shrub, meaning it stays green all year round. It usually grows to be about one to two meters tall, which is like 3 to 6 feet high. You can often find R. crocea growing in areas called chaparral. Chaparral is a type of shrubland with tough, woody plants that can handle dry summers. Other plants often found growing near the spiny redberry include toyon and hollyleaf cherry.
Where Does the Spiny Redberry Grow?
The spiny redberry grows in two main mountain foothill areas. In California, you can find it all around the San Joaquin Valley. It also grows along the Pacific coast ranges and on the western side of the Sierra Nevada mountains. In Arizona, the spiny redberry grows along the entire length of the Mogollon Rim. It also reaches into the western part of the White Mountains.
How People Used the Spiny Redberry
Long ago, Native American people in the Western United States used the fruit of the spiny redberry as a food source. It was an important part of their diet. Interestingly, it was said that if someone ate a lot of these berries, their skin might get a reddish tint. This shows how strong the natural colors in the berries were!
