crucifixion thorn Simaroubaceae Castela emoryi (A. Gray) Moran & Felger   symbol: CAEM4
	Leaf: Mostly leafless, alternate, narrowly ovate (scale-like), 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. Flower: Dioecious; small (1/4 inch), numerous petals in tight, branched clusters near ends of twigs, yellowish to purplish-green, appearing in mid-summer. Fruit: Persistent, dark brown, dry and woody (1/4 inch), occurring in a circular, flat, star-shaped, persistent cluster (1/2 inch across), many of these "star" clusters occur in dense, larger clumps at the end of the twigs. Twig: Stout, blue, gray or yellow-green, maybe finely hairy, very rigid with numerous stout thorns. Bark: Gray-brown, narrow furrows with smooth ridges. Form: A large (up to 10 feet), sprawling, dense shrub with a round crown, often with descending branches heavy with thorns.
	No range map exists for this species. See a map of the states in which Castela emoryi can be found (opens a new window). USDA Plants Database Castela emoryi is native to North America.