PlantFiles: Chomonque, Ocote
Gochnatia hypoleuca

San Antonio, TX
An extremely drought and heat tolerant shrub, it has very attractive bi-colored leaves, deep green on top and white underneath (feltish in texture). The 1-2 inch leaves, usually being held in an upright postion, show both the tops and undersides at the same time which makes it a noteworthy ornamental plant. "Chomonque" is believed to be of Native American origin. An Argentine botanist, Caroli Gochnet is honored with its genus name and with "hypoleuca" referring to the white underside of the leaf. It is native to extreme South Texas, growing in caliche and gravel.

Its slightly fragrant, small, white with some pinkish toned flowers appear from November to February attracting honeybees, flies and butterflies. The specimen I observed at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens has proven to be cold hardy and evergreen. Being unaffected by freezes, drought and insects, this is a highly desirable plant. It is not readily available at garden centers or I would have at least one in my yard.