About Crossosoma californicum Nutt.
Crossosoma californicum Nutt. is a sprawling shrub or small tree that reaches a maximum height of 5 metres (16 ft). Its stem branches intricately into many branches that end in thorns. These branches are lined with veiny, pale green, oval to rounded leaves that grow up to 9 centimeters long. This species produces solitary flowers with round white petals, each petal measuring 1 to 1.5 centimeters long. The center of each flower holds numerous stamens and 1 to 5 free carpels. Crossosoma californicum is native to San Clemente Island and Santa Catalina Island (two of California’s Channel Islands), as well as Guadalupe Island off the coast of Baja California. It is also found at a single mainland California location: the Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County.
