Arctostaphylos Species, Mexican Manzanita, Pointleaf Manzanita

Mexican Manzanita Arctostaphylos pungens is native to Texas and other States.

Mexican manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens) is also known as point-leaf manzanita, bear-berry, kinnikinnick, pinguica, palo de pinguica an...Read Mored Manzana. The genus name is from the Greek where "Arktos" refers to bear and "staphyle" refers to a cluster of grapes. Its genus name suggests that bears eat the fruit. "Pungens" refers to the sharp points at the ends of the leaves. The common name manzanita is Spanish for “little apple” referring to the small apple shaped fruit

It is an evergreen shrub (subshrub), is native to southern North America and Mexico which habitats woodlands, sunny woodland edges, rocky slopes, ridges and chaparrals. It often forms dense thickets. In Texas, it can be found in only two populations in the Trans-Pecos, although it grows west to California and north to Utah. Mexican manzanita needs deep, acidic to very acidic, light or medium lime-free loam to gravelly soil. It requires a sunny or semi-shaded spot; but does not produce as much fruit when it is planted in the shade. It tolerates moist soil as long as it is well-drained, but is also drought tolerant. Mexican manzanita has a fibrous, shallow root system. In sandy soil, it can have a taproot. Most roots are found in the top 8 inches of soil.

The up to 2 inch, dark green leaves are thick, leathery and pointed at the tip and base. They are ovate to lanceolate. The wax-like coating on the leaves assists with preventing water loss. The leaves hold an oily substance that is extremely combustible when temperatures approach the 100 degree mark making it this a dangerous fire hazard.T he foliage is sometimes grazed by goats and cattle especially in times of drought. Manzanita is noted for its beautiful smooth, shiny red-mahogany bark and branches which makes a great contrast with the evergreen foliage. It peels in the winter.

The 1/4 inch, bell-shaped, waxy, whitish to pink colored flowers have pink corollas and attrct hummingbirds. They are hermaphrodite, having both male and female organs and are pollinated by Insects. Ten to fifteen blooms appear from January through March clustered at the tip of the branches.

The round, orange to reddish-brown to bronze, apple-like, 1/4 inch in diameter fruit (pome) may be eaten raw or cooked, has an acid flavor and is dry and mealy. They appear from April through July. Because it is difficult to digest, it should be eaten in moderation. They may be dried and ground into a powder and then used as mush or as a flavouring in soups. They can be cooked to make jams, jellies, pies or stews. In addition, a cooling cider or wine can be made from the fruit. The fruits and leaves are available at native markets in Mexico as pingüica. A number of small mammals, as well as black bear and ground birds eat the berries of this plant.

Uses:

An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of diarrhea and in the treatment of the rash caused by poison oak and poison ivy. Leaves are used externally to reduce swelling, sore muscles and other inflammations, to relieve used for stomach problems and as astringents. A tea made from the leaves and berries can be used as a diuretic or to treat bronchitis. It is useful in relieving urinary tract problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections. the Ramah Navajo sometimes smoked the leaves with tobacco in order to bring them good luck.

The wood makes a good fuel and is usd in construction. A yellowish-brown dye is obtained from the leaves. The hard wood has been used for making small tools, awl handles, carvings, pipes, etc.

This plant may be propagated by seed, cuttings or division; but, is difficult to propagate. The seed is best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. They most be pre-soaked after they have dried in boiling water for 10 - 20 seconds or burn some straw on top of them. Then, they must be stratifed at 2 - 5°c for 2 months. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 months at 15°c. Cuttings current season's growth side shoots with a 5 - 8cm heel may be rooted from August to December in a frame. The cuttings are very slow to root which can take up to a year Plants should be divided in early spring. Care should be taken when doing so because the plant does not like its roots to be disturbed. The divisions should be potted and placed in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are actively growing.

Mexican manzanita is a low-maintenance plant and a lovely ornamental with its crooked branches for the landscape, but is difficult to find commercially.