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 0

October 24, 2023 00:04:35
Episode Cover

Threadleaf Groundsel

Threadleaf groundsel (Senecio flaccidus var. flaccidus) is a pretty native shrub… grey foliage and yellow flowers! The green leaf variety, S. flaccidus var. monoensis,...

Listen

Episode

September 05, 2019 00:05:01
Episode Cover

Roadside Jungles

You know you haven’t been hiking or botanizing out in the desert or grassland enough when you look to the roadsides for interesting plants,...

Listen

Episode

April 29, 2014
Episode Cover

Out and About

       Petey seems to think we all need to get out and about to see cool plants and animals. Okay. I still love road trips...

Listen