Menodora spinescens – “Spiny Desert Olive”

Also Known As: Spiny menodora, Spiny monodora
Family: Olive (Oleaceae)
Bloom Period: Apr-May
Form: Shrub
Habitat: Mountains, canyons, Shadscale scrub, Juniper woodland
Leaves: Oblong to ovate, fleshy; in clusters
Translation: “Menodora” is Greek-derived for “gives vigor,” which refers to livestock eating the young shoots of Menodora helianthemoides;”spinescens” is Latin for “becoming like spines,” because this plant has thorns that are incompletely formed.
Notes: Ecologist Jim Boone opines: “More than any other, this species represents the ultimate spiny desert shrub.” (birdandhike.com)