Mexican Elder Tree
The Mexican Elder (S. Mexicana, DC.) grows to 30 feet high in the river bottoms of western Texas, and west to California, and south through Mexico and Central America. It is a squat, round-headed tree, with its short trunk bulging suddenly at the base. A soft pubescence covers leaves and twigs. The shiny, black fruit, borne in loose clusters, is eaten by Indians and Mexicans.
The tree is often planted near homes for its shade and fruit.