Vauquelinia californica  Arizona Rosewood
EVERGREEN SHRUB or SMALL TREE.  A sturdy, multi-trunked, densely branched large shrub or small tree.  Leaves leathery, narrow and pointed, slightly toothed, downy when young, smooth and dark green when older.  Bark is very dark brown, grooved or shredding on old trunks.  Clusters of creamy white fragrant flowers bloom in May-June.  Flowers have five petals and many stamens.  Fruits are dry woody light brown capsules.  In the Empires, found throughout, but especially common on limestone.  The largest and most conspicuous member of the limestone chaparral community.
FAMILY:  Rosaceae (Rose Family)