[Illustration: AGARITA]
Herbs or shrubs; leaves simple or compound; sepals 6, similar to petals;
petals 6; stamens 6, irritable, opening by valves; ovary 1-celled; fruit
a berry.
Agarita. Texas Barberry (_Berberis trifoliolata_), known also as agrito
(meaning “little sour”), chaparral berry, and wild currant, is an
evergreen shrub forming an important part of the chaparral in the
central and southwestern parts of the state and adjacent Mexico. The
thick gray-green leaves are divided into three leaflets which have 3-7
lobes ending in sharp spines. The stiff spreading branches form a
compact shrub 4-5 feet high.
The clusters of fragrant flowers are among the first spring blossoms to
appear in late February and March. With 6 spreading yellow sepals and 6
yellow petals forming a cup around the stamens and pistil, the small
flowers are somewhat like those of the narcissus. The acid berries ripen
in May and June, being used for jellies and wines; the flowers are an
important source of nectar; and the wood and roots furnish a yellow dye
which was used by Indians and pioneers.
May Apple. Mandrake (_Podophyllum peltatum_) is abundant in moist woods
in East Texas. The white flower growing in the fork of the stem is
overtopped by the two umbrella-shaped leaves.