African boxthorn

Shrubs erect, 2–3 m; bark pale gray to pinkish brown; stems glabrous. Leaves: blade bright green, obovate, 12–35 × 4–10 mm, fleshy, surfaces glabrous. Inflorescences 2-flowered fas­cicles or solitary flowers. Pedicels 5–15 mm. Flowers 5-merous; calyx tubular, 5–7 mm, lobe lengths ± 0.25 times tube; corolla white with purple veins, funnelform, 6–8 mm, lobes 3–4 mm; stamens exserted. Berries red, ovoid, 8–10 mm, fleshy. Seeds 50+. 2n = 24.

Flowering year-round following rain. Coastal salt marshes, dunes, hedgerows, waste places; introduced; Calif.; Africa (South Africa); introduced also in Europe (Cyprus, Spain), n Africa (Morocco, Tunisia), Pacific Islands (New Zealand), Australia.

Within the flora area, Lycium ferocissimum is known only from Los Angeles County. It has the potential to become an invasive weed and its import and cultivation are restricted.