Shrubs or trees, 1–5(–6) m, twigs tomentose. Leaves: rachis 6–15 cm; leaflets (5 or)7–11, blades elliptic-obovate or oblong, (2–)2.5–5(–8) × 0.7–3.6 cm, base cuneate, apex rounded to emarginate. Racemes 4–15-flowered, dense, 5–10 cm; bracts linear-lanceolate, apex acute. Pedicels 10–15 mm. Flowers ascending to spreading, 10–20 mm; calyx broadly obconic or turbinate, asymmetric, 8–11 mm; corolla usually blue-purple, rarely white. Legumes brown, torulose, subglobose to cylidrical, 2–5(–10) × 1–1.5(–2) cm, woody. Seeds 1–4(–8), usually red, rarely orange or yellow, 10–15 mm. 2n = 18.

Phenology: Flowering Feb–Apr.
Habitat: Rocky slopes, canyons, ravines, limestone hills, canyons.
Elevation: 0–1500 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

N.Mex., Tex., Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Puebla, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas).

Discussion

Dermatophyllum secundiflorum is widely distributed across the southern half of Texas and extends into southeastern New Mexico.

Flowers of Dermatophyllum secundiflorum have been described as offensively fragrant and have a scent reminiscent of artificial grape flavoring. Their odor can produce headaches and, sometimes, nausea (E. D. Schulz 1928). The flowers are a source of honey (E. H. Graham 1941). The dull red seeds, poisonous to humans and livestock, were used by Amerindian groups for beads (trade items). Powdered and mixed with mescal, the seeds were employed to produce intoxication, delirium, excitement, and a deep sleep of two to three days (J. M. Kingsbury 1964; R. A. Vines 1960). Bactericidal and fungicidal activities have been reported from seed extracts of mescal bean (D. Pérez-Laínez et al. 2008). The slow growing plants are used as ornamentals.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.