Tetracoccus dioicus Parry

Growth Form

Tetracoccus dioicus Parry is an erect shrub that grows to approximately 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall.

Bark Characteristics

Its branches have gray bark, and young branches are bright red.

Leaf Features

The stiff, leathery yellowish-green leaves are arranged opposite one another, clustered, or often grouped in sets of three, and may be rolled along their length.

Flower Type

This species bears separate male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers, which have red-yellow floral structures.

Bloom Period

It blooms between April and May.

Fruit Characteristics

After flowering, it produces distinctive four-lobed fruits that ripen to a bright red color.

Global Distribution

This shrub is native to southwestern California in the United States and Baja California, Mexico.

Southern California Distribution

In Southern California, it occurs in Orange County, Riverside County, and San Diego County.

Habitat and Elevation

It grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats at elevations below 1,000 metres (3,300 ft), found in California’s South Coast region and the Peninsular Ranges.