Mexican Buckeye
Ungnadia speciosa
Family: Sapindaceae
Deciduous large shrub (rarely a tree) to 15’ or more.
Full to part sun, moderate to regular water, Hardy to 0º F.
Larval host to the Henry’s elfin butterfly (Callophrys henrici). Has nectar-rich flowers for insects and birds. Seeds are consumed by mammals and birds though poisonous to humans (but only if you consume them).
The genus, Ungnadia, commemorates Baron Ferdinand von Ungnad, Austrian ambassador at Constantinople, who introduced the Horsechestnut into western Europe in 1576. The species name, speciosa, means "showy" or "beautiful".
The redish brown, brittle wood of the Mexican buckeye is commonly used for firewood.
Fouind in rocky canyons & ridges. Common in rocky areas in canyons and on slopes and ridges in New Mexico, Texas, south through Chihuahua, Coahuila, as far south as San Luis Potosi.