About Arbutus xalapensis Kunth
Arbutus xalapensis Kunth, commonly called Texas madrone, Amazaquitl, or Texas madroño, is a species of flowering plant in the heather family. It is native to Central America, the southwestern United States (western Texas and New Mexico), and all of Mexico. It grows in canyons, mountains, rocky plains, and oak woodlands. Across the southern part of its range, it occurs at altitudes up to 3,000 m (9,800 ft), while in the northern part of its range it grows at lower altitudes down to 600 m (2,000 ft).
Arbutus xalapensis is a large shrub or small to medium-sized evergreen tree. It reaches 5–25 meters (16–82 ft) in height, with a trunk up to 50 cm (20 in) in diameter. Its bark is smooth and orange-brown, and peels in thin sheets. The species' size changes regionally based on available rainfall: dry areas such as western Texas and New Mexico host small, shrubby plants, while moister areas of Mexico support larger trees. Some botanists classify populations from Texas, New Mexico, and far northeastern Mexico as a separate variety A. xalapensis var. texana, or even a full distinct species A. texana, but other botanists do not recognize these groups as separate.
The leaves of Arbutus xalapensis are oblong to lanceolate, 5–17 cm (2.0–6.7 in) long and 1.5–5 cm (0.59–1.97 in) wide, with either an entire or serrated margin. Its flowers are bell-shaped, white or pale pink, and 5–10 mm long; they grow in loose panicles. The fruit is a rough-surfaced red berry 1 cm (0.39 in) in diameter, which is reported to be edible. It should be noted that related species have narcotic properties. The berry contains numerous small seeds.
