ABSTRACT
Chaparral refers broadly to any dense thicket of shrubs or dwarf trees. More specifically, in recent herbal literature, it designates the leaflets of Larrea tridentata (Sessé & Moc.) Coville, a name considered by modern authors to be synonymous with L. divaricata Cav. and L. mexicana Moric. This strong-scented, olive green bush of the family Zygophyllaceae is the dominant shrub in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Better-known common names of the plant are creosote bush and greasewood.
