Mala Mujer

July 04, 2019 00:04:56
Mala Mujer
Growing Native with Petey Mesquitey
Mala Mujer

Jul 04 2019 | 00:04:56

/

Show Notes

Mala Mujer or Cnidoscolus angustidens is an interesting plant in Euphorbiaceae, the spurge family.  It’s found in southeastern Arizona and south into Sonora on rocky slopes from 2,500′ to 5,000′ in elevation. What makes it interesting, at least to me, are the green maple-like leaves covered in white dots that are actually little mounds, each holding up a stinging hair.  They do sting and some folks have a bad reaction to the sting. As you can see from the photo I clasped the stems and yes I got stung (very cool!), but I didn’t a bad reaction. Sometimes native plant nurseries will have this euphorb in stock, so it’s well worth asking your favorite nursery person if they grow it….what am I thinking?…I think we’ll start growing this cool plant at Spadefoot! Go native my friends.

These are my photos…proof that I did get out on a muggy monsoonal morning to find mala mujer.

Other Episodes

Episode

June 08, 2015
Episode Cover

I wish I didn’t care

Petey is saddened by the loss of local flora and fauna, but can still find moments of joy in creatures like the Texas Horned...

Listen

Episode

November 01, 2017 5:06
Episode Cover

Mexican Campion

Sometimes the setting of the moon is as spectacular as the rising. As it slides down toward the mountains in the horizon it appears...

Listen

Episode

October 28, 2016
Episode Cover

Acaciela angustissima

Acaciela angustissima is the former Acacia angustissima. I suspect the name change is about priority.  The plant already had a published name and then...

Listen