Chilopsis is a monotypic taxon of containing the single species Chilopsis linearis. It is known commonly as desert willow[ Chilopsis linearis. USDA PLANTS.] or desert-willow[ Chilopsis linearis. NatureServe. 2012.] because of its willow-like leaves, but it is not a true willow being instead a member of the catalpa family.
It is a shrub or tree native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is commonly seen in washes and Riparian zone.
Description
Growing up to in height, it can take the form of a
shrub or small
tree.
The linear, curved,
deciduous leaves are up to long
and just a few millimetres wide.
Blooming from April through September,
There are two subspecies:
-
Chilopsis linearis subsp. linearis. Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, Mexico.
-
Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata. Nevada, California, Baja California.
Etymology
The generic name is derived from the
Greek language words
χεῖλος, (
cheilos), meaning "lip," and
ὄψις (
opsis), meaning "resembling," referring to the flowers.
Distribution and habitat
As a
phreatophyte, it is well adapted to ephemeral desert washes and sandy streams. It can be found through much of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is usually found below .
Ecology
The species is pollinated primarily by large
in the family
Apidae, such as
,
,
Anthophora, and
Centris. The flowers are popular with hummingbirds as well.
Cultivation
Chilopsis linearis is cultivated for its large, showy
, and tolerance of hot, dry climates. Although the natural growth is a very irregular shape, it can be readily pruned into a conventional tree shape. A number of
have been selected. Some, such as 'Rio Salado', have dark purple or magenta flowers.
Chilopsis may survive temperatures as low as 10 degrees F (-12 °C).
Chilopsis is closely related to the genus Catalpa and hybrids can be made between the two genera. The nothogeneric hybrid between Chilopsis linearis and Catalpa bignonioides has been named × Chitalpa tashkentensis. It originated in a botanic garden at Tashkent in Uzbekistan.
Uses
Parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine. It has been used to treat
mycosis such as
candidiasis and athlete's foot, as well as wounds and
cough.
[Ross, J., et al. Chilopsis linearis. Medicinal Plants of the Southwest. New Mexico State University. 2001.]
The wood was used to make bows and baskets.
==Gallery==
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