Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Desert Flora


Flora is the plant life occurring in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring  or indigenous--native plant life.

Candy finally got her stitches out yesterday from her leg surgery, this is the third time shes had the operation, it was time to get her out for a walk, though I would share a few pics of the local plants, and area where I been living for 3 1/2 weeks. Although I am sure not all of them are native species I hope to at least to warm up the individuals reading this who
live in the cooler climates of the world.

This is a Agave Americana also known as the century plant, claimed to only bloom once every 100years then die. On average they bloom once every 10 to 36 years, and have been told if the bloom is cut the plant can survive, this is because they can grow up to 25ft in under a week using up all the plants resources.  Tequila and Mescal is also made from agave.


Agave Blooming

 Grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and limes become extremely abundant into winter the winter months. Good practice to bring a pillow case with just in case no ones looking:)
Barrel Cactus the yellow part is fruit

Some palm trees and a Ocotillo in the middle.

Not sure what this is but its very soft, and rubbery, not prickly very rare for these parts.

 Prickly Pear also edible used to make jellies a fellow camper made me some prickly pear french fries last year. Not bad, but I think Ill be sticking to Mickey D's
A icon of the Sonoran Desert the Saguaro cactus. Rumors say each branch represents 100 years for the cactus, after a bit of research average age is 150 to 200 years, they can reach a height of 40 to 60 ft, and weigh up to 5000 pounds.

Finally the furry looking specimen is called a jumping cholla rumored to actually jump onto you, after a few wobbly pops:) with my brother we decided to see if the rumors were in fact true. Turns out they are not true, but these lil devils will hook you then break off from the main plant nearly impossile to remove by hand because of their fierce barbs.. More then likely you be standing there with both hands attached to the Cholla pondering away to escape from their grasp. If wandering into Cholla country bring a small comb with, its the most effective removal device I have found to date, and if your hiking with the pooch they'll be happy you had it with as well. If you enjoy the blog please subscribe via email to receive updates of the adventure, or share on your favorite social site. Good day!






2 comments:

  1. Awesome Pics! It cold here..but might hit 50 in a couple days?

    ReplyDelete