| Monday Melange: Chuparosa |
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| Written by Heleigh Bostwick Monday, 08 February 2010 | |||
 Chuparosa, which means hummingbird in the Spanish language, is a flowering shrub native to the desert regions of California and Arizona, growing at elevations between 1000 to 2500 feet (300-750 m). Formerly referred to as Beloperone californica , it is now known as Justica californica. It is sometimes referred to locally as desert honeysuckle or red justica. The long tubular red to deep red flowers are custom made for the hummingbird’s long slender beak, but also attract bees and butterflies. The chuparosa begins flowering in February after the rains, and sometimes continues through the end of the summer. The oval to triangular-shaped leaves are a grayish-green color and vary in size depending on the amount of rainfall the plant receives. More often than not the leaves are quite diminutive in size, or even non-existent, an adaptive mechanism common to many desert plants. During periods of adequate rainfall the leaves may reach up to one inch in size. Hardy to 20°F (USDA zones 8b-10), the chuparosa is often found growing in desert washes or disturbed areas. A spreading shrub with rounded habit, the chuparosa grows to a height of 4 to 6 feet and as much as 8 to 12 feet wide. The drought tolerant chuparosa is an excellent choice for a xeriscape garden, and as expected prefers full sun and well-drained sandy soils. The flowers of the chuparosa are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. |
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