Mariosousa willardiana

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Mariosousa willardiana
File:Palo blanco 1.jpg
Scientific classification
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M. willardiana
Binomial name
Mariosousa willardiana
(Rose) Seigler & Ebinger[1]
Synonyms
  • Acacia willardiana Rose

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Mariosousa willardiana, also called Palo Blanco tree,[2] palo liso, guinola[3] and Willard Acacia, is a normally evergreen plant in the genus Mariosousa native to Mexico. The Spanish common name translates into 'white stick', defining its peeling white bark. A compound called Willardiine, that acts as an agonist in glutamate receptors, can be isolated from M. willardiana.[4][5]

Description

It can grow 10–20 ft or more with a spread of 1/3 to 2/3 the height. It is a very slender tree with few branches as well as leaves. The petiolar-rachis is characteristically long and functions as a cladophyll. it has a white or yellow-colored peeling off bark. The leaves have 5-6 leaflets in the end. It may drop leaves in autumn and winter. The flowers are like catkins, rod or bottle-brush-like, white or light yellow in color. The pods are multichambered, and 3-4 in long specimens.[6] The flowers occur in pale yellow spikes.[7]

Distribution and habitat

The plant is endemic to Sonora (Sonoran desert), Mexico. It prefers rocky bajdas, slopes and arroyos from 0 to 2,000 feet elevation.[8]

See also

References

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