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| Mexican Buckeye, Monillo, Mona, Texas Buckeye, Spanish Buckeye, New Mexican Buckeye, False Buckeye, Canyon Buckeye Ungnadia speciosa Sapindaceae Mexican buckeye occurs mostly west of the Brazos River on the well drained limestone soils on stream banks of damp canyons in South, Central and West Texas, east to Dallas County. Its pink flowers bloom simultaneously as it leafs out with light bronze colored leaflets which turn pale green during the growing season. Its fall color is bright golden yellow. In its spring flowering aspect it is thought to somewhat resemble eastern redbuds. This plant may be used as a large, coarse multi-trunk shrub or trained into a small tree. Basal pruning in late spring will maintain the tree form. As it is a tall spreading plant it makes an attractive tall background shrub or deciduous screen, but because of its spreading nature it is not well suited near the street. Mexican buckeye's round black somewhat shiny seeds are contained within a coarse, dark brown 3 valved capsule which somewhat resembles buckeye (Aesculus spp.) seeds. However, the two species are not related.
Plant Habit or Use: large shrub
Exposure: sun Flower Color: pink Blooming Period: spring Fruit Characteristics: 3-celled, 3-valved capsule with up to 3 shiny round black seeds Height: 15 to 30 feet Width: 8 to 12 feet Plant Character: deciduous Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements:
Soil Requirements: neutral Additional Comments: Mexican buckeye's seeds are poisonous.
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