| Arbutus occidentalis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Arbutus |
| Species: |
A. occidentalis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Arbutus occidentalis | |
Arbutus occidentalis or the Mexican Madrone is a small tree species in the heath family, that is endemictoMexico. It is only known from a few areas in Western Mexico where it grows on rocky slopes. It produces red edible berries that are valuable food to wildlife.
The plant is found in montane Mexico from ChihuahuatoOaxaca.[1][2][3] It is found in pine forests, spreading on cliff summits and steep rocky slopes.[4]
Arbutus occidentalis is a low growing shrub, growing 0.25–1 metre (0.82–3.28 ft) in height.[4][1] In places it forms colonies more than 6 feet (1.8 m) ) wide.[4]
The branches are covered with thin red bark.[4] Leaves are 3–6 centimetres (1.2–2.4 in) long, by 1–2 centimetres (0.39–0.79 in) wide. They have teeth along the edges.[1]
The red fruits are about 0.5 inches (13 mm) across and fleshy.[4][1]
Two regional variations of Arbutus occidentalis were formerly distinguished as varieties:
| Arbutus occidentalis |
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|---|---|
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