From the Desert

 

We recently went to Phoenix for the Commodity Classic. (Soybean, Corn, Wheat and Barley producers.) This was our first time there. My friend Judy and I went on a desert botanical garden tour. These green trees are all over. The leaves are tiny, and when it is dry, the tree can drop them and still make food from the green bark. Our guide told us the desert plants are all about survival.

Impressive white outlines. Wicked black tips!

I loved the designs and patterns of the cactus and plants. These succulents had neat shadowy ridges caused by pressure from the edges of bordering leaves before they unfurled from each other. Kind of a leaf echo.

Nubby is cool.

See the ridges on these variegated leaves? Fascinating and beautiful.

I loved this plant-the blue/green/grey color, the curved leaves and the dark, richly colored spikes. Also, some echo ridges!

Barrel cactus and a white "fuzzy" brain cactus with mammillaria in its name.

I believe this plant is the one Natives used for needle and thread after removing the pulp.

Saguaro cactus. These (above) are at least 75 years old. Our guide told us that when a saguaro is ten years old, it is the size of your thumb, and when they start developing arms, they are senior citizens.

So much variety and so many interesting shapes!

And even some purple cactus! Made me think of our Daughter A. who loves purple.