| Chilopsis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Tribe: | Catalpeae |
| Genus: | Chilopsis D.Don[1] |
| Species: | C. linearis |
| Binomial name | |
| Chilopsis linearis | |
 | |
| Natural range ofChilopsis linearis | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
Bignonia linearisCav. | |
Chilopsis is amonotypic genus offlowering plants containing the single speciesChilopsis linearis. It is known commonly asdesert willow[4] ordesert-willow[3] because of itswillow-like leaves, but it is not a true willow – being instead a member of thecatalpa family.
It is ashrub ortree native to thesouthwestern United States andMexico. It is commonly seen inwashes andalong riverbanks.
Growing up to 9 metres (29+1⁄2 ft) in height, it can take the form of ashrub or smalltree.[5] The linear, curved,deciduous leaves are up to 30 centimetres (12 in) long[5] and just a few millimetres wide.
Blooming from April through September,[5] theflowers occur in a terminalpanicle orraceme. About two to four flowers at a time are open in each inflorescence. Thecalyx is about8–14 mm (3⁄8–1⁄2 in), slightly inflated, and varying shades of purple, while thecorolla is2–5 cm (3⁄4–2 in), with colors ranging from lavender to light pink. The throat and lower lip has a pattern of yellow ridges and purple lines, and the margins are crinkled.[citation needed] Thefruit is a linear pod up to 30 cm (12 in) long, containing numerous[5] wingedseeds.
There are twosubspecies:
The generic name is derived from theGreek wordsχεῖλος, (cheilos), meaning "lip," andὄψις (opsis), meaning "resembling," referring to the flowers.
As aphreatophyte, 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 1,500 m (5,000 ft).[6]
The species is pollinated primarily by largebees in the familyApidae, such ascarpenter bees,bumblebees,Anthophora, andCentris.[citation needed] The flowers are popular with hummingbirds as well.[5]
Chilopsis linearis is cultivated for its large, showyflowers, 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 ofcultivars 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 genusCatalpa andhybrids can be made between the two genera. Thenothogeneric hybrid betweenChilopsis linearis andCatalpa bignonioides has been named×Chitalpa tashkentensis. It originated in a botanic garden atTashkent inUzbekistan.
Parts of the plant have been used intraditional medicine. It has been used to treatfungal infections[7] such ascandidiasis andathlete's foot, as well as wounds andcough.[8]
The wood was used to make bows and baskets.[9]
Media related toChilopsis linearis at Wikimedia Commons