Condalia warnockii  Snakewood, Bitter Condalia
EVERGREEN SHRUB.  A very dark shrub with heavy branches, rough black shreddy bark, a short gnarled trunk, and very tiny dark green leaves.  Small branch tips are elongated into thorns.  Flowers inconspicuous.  Bitter red to black fruits in summer.  Common throughout the Empires, from desert grassland to dry, eroded arroyos.  Provides erosion control and cover for wildlife.  Birds eat the berries.
FAMILY:  Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)