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Koeberlinia spinosa

Accession Count: 2
Common Name: crucifixion thorn, all thorn
Family Name: Koeberliniaceae
Botanical Name: Koeberlinia spinosa
Sub Species:
Variety: tenuispina
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Koeberlinia spinosa also known as Crucifixion thorn is a member of the Koeberliniaceae family, native to the Sonoran Desert. On average this species grows slowly to a height and width of 6-8 feet, however there are rare cases where this species can reach as tall as 30 feet. Technically, it is a deciduous shrub with an extremely unique structure of intricate branches. The branches are rigid spinose, divergent branches with dark-green bark. They often develop a rounded habit but can become taller and more tree-like. The plant produces many thorny stems with tiny leaves (1). The species is drought deciduous meaning it loses its leaves in times of drought. To accommodate for this, young branches are green to yellow-green and are able to photosynthesize (1). Older branches of this species are gray and flaky (1). The plant produces tiny white flowers in late spring which grow to edible red-black, 1/4"  fleshy berries in the fall (1).  
Compound: Kob spi ten
Geographic Origin: Desert Southwest/Mexico
Ecozone Origin: Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History: This thorny tree provides a protective thicket for many small desert animals. Birds are the main pollinators. The fruits are particularly appetizing to birds, although the berries have also played a role in the diets of native people.
Cultivation Notes:
This plant is propagated by seed. It grows in full sun and medium to light textured soils (1). This plant is drought tolerant and only requires supplemental water in periods of extreme drought (1). Generally, it has a moderate rate of growth. This species should be planted away from high traffic areas as it has thorns (1).
Ethnobotany: Fruit of the crucifixion thorn was a part of the Native American diet (3). Its wood is used for construction and furniture. Felger and Moser (1974) state that the Seri burned the wood to produce an oily black smoke believed to sanitize the home after disease epidemics (4). When burned, the wood produces an oily black smoke, which indigenous people used as a method of sanitizing homes to protect against dangerous foreign diseases such as measles. In a landscape setting, it is best for barriers due to its thorns.
Height: 6 - 10 feet
Width: 6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate Growing
Grow Season: Spring
Flower Season: ForeSummer
Color: Green
Function: Screen
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Hardy
Water Use: Low water Use
Citations:
  1. Turner, Raymond M, et al. Sonoran Desert Plants: An Ecological Atlas. University of Arizona Press, 1995.
  2. Warren, Jones and Sacamano, Charles. Landscape Plants for Dry Regions. Cambridge, MA. Fisher Books, 2000. Print. 
  3. Hodgson, Wendy C.  Food Plants of the Sonoran Desert.  Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 2001.  Print.
  4. Pennacchio, M., L. Jefferson and K. Havens. Uses and Abuses of Plant-Derived Smoke. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2010. Print.
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Koeberlinia spinosa