Cleomella arborea

This plant is an evergreen shrub native to California and Baja California. It grows on coastal bluffs, hillsides, desert washes, and dry scrubland. Its densely branching stems have corky bark on older branches, while the alternate leaves are divided into three leaflets and have a strong scent. Yellow flowers have four petals and six long stamens whose anthers coil as they release pollen. The developing fruit is raised on a stalk and becomes an inflated capsule containing several smooth, dark brown seeds. Capsule shape varies from narrow and spindle-shaped to broadly rounded. Quail and other birds use the shrub for cover and eat its seeds. Photographed in Florida.