BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
SPECIES: Lycium torreyi | Torrey Wolfberry 



GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : 
Torrey wolfberry is a spiny to spineless shrub up to 10 feet (3 m) tall
with many spreading branches.  The axillary flowers are funnel-shaped
and are borne in small fascicles.  The fruit is a red, juicy berry with
8 to 30 seeds [9,18,26,27].  Torrey wolfberry sheds its leaves and
becomes dormant during drought but quickly refoliates when conditions
become more favorable [12].  Torrey wolfberry often forms dense thickets
[19].

The roots of wolfberry species are tough and fibrous.  Root systems are
relatively extensive in comparison with the aerial portions, often
extending 25 to 30 feet (7.5-9.0 m) from the plant [25].



RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : 
   Phanerophyte


REGENERATION PROCESSES : 
Although no specific information is available on Torrey wolfberry
reproduction, it probably regenerates from cuttings, root suckering, and
layering, as do other wolfberry species.  Like other wolfberries, Torrey
wolfberry may sprout from the base when damaged [26].

Torrey wolfberry seeds are probably dispersed by birds and other
animals, as are seeds of other wolfberries [17].

Good seed crops are produced by wolfberry species almost every year.
After extraction, seeds should be dried and stored in sealed containers
at 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 deg C), or stratified in moist sand.
Stratified seeds of some wolfberry species maintain good viability for 6
months.  Dormancy in wolfberry seeds is variable.  Some wolfberry seeds
germinate well without pretreatment, while germination of others is
improved by stratification.  Seeds can be sown in the fall as soon as
the fruits ripen or stratified seed can be sown in the spring and
covered lightly with about 0.25 inch (0.64 cm) of soil.  Two-year-old
seedlings may be outplanted [22].


SITE CHARACTERISTICS : 
Torrey wolfberry is found in washes and arroyos, along streams and
rivers, and on flats [9,18,19,26].  It commonly grows in silty, sandy,
or alluvial soils [19], and often occupies saline or alkaline sites
[19,26].  Torrey wolfberry is generally found below 3,000 feet (900 m)
elevation in Arizona and Texas [12,26], below 2,000 feet (600 m)
elevation in California [9,18], and at elevations of 2,500 to 3,800 feet
(760-1,160 m) in Utah [27].


SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : 
NO-ENTRY


SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : 
Torrey wolfberry usually flowers from March or April to June
[12,18,25,26].  Flowers may also be produced after fall rains [19].
Fruits are available from June to September [25,26].

Related categories for Species: Lycium torreyi | Torrey Wolfberry