Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Maclura pomifera (Rafinesque) Schneider
(Osage Orange)
Family: Moraceae
Status: Exotic
Synonyms:
Toxylon pomiferum Rafinesque
Maclura pomifera is an exotic tree with large green bumpy fruits that are really
multiples of many smaller fruits. The bright orange wood is used by artisans in
woodworking. The twigs have thorns. The winter twigs show half round leaf scars. Maclura pomifera is found in hedgerows and damp hollows where it has
escaped and now grows out of cultivation.
Please click on an image for a larger file.

Maclura pomifera, photo Russ Kleinman, Georgetown Rd., Oct. 16, 2007

Maclura pomifera, showing fruits, photo Russ Kleinman, Georgetown Rd., Oct. 16, 2007

Maclura pomifera, multiple fruit (formed from more than one flower) and stipular spines, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Georgetown Rd., November 11, 2009

Maclura pomifera, closeup of multiple fruit (formed from more than one flower), photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Georgetown Rd., November 11, 2009

Maclura pomifera, bark, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Georgetown Rd., November 11, 2009

Maclura pomifera, bissected fruit, photo Russ Kleinman & Andy Anderson, Silver City, November 22, 2009

Maclura pomifera, fruits persisting on tree into winter, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Little Burro Mountains along 180N, December 12, 2009

Maclura pomifera, fruits on ground underneath same tree as above, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Little Burro Mountains along 180N, December 12, 2009

Maclura pomifera, winter twig, photo Russ Kleinman, Little Burro Mountains along 180N, December 27, 2009

Maclura pomifera, winter twig with half round leaf scars, photo Russ Kleinman, Little Burro Mountains along 180N, December 27, 2009

Maclura pomifera, winter twig, photo Russ Kleinman, Little Burro Mountains along 180N, December 28, 2009

Maclura pomifera, closeup of winter twig, photo Russ Kleinman, Little Burro Mountains along 180N, December 28, 2009

Maclura pomifera, staminate flowers, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Little Burro Mountains along 180N, April 30, 2011

Maclura pomifera, staminate flowers, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Little Burro Mountains along 180N, May 13, 2011
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