Desert Primer - In Words & Photos

For those of you unlucky enough not to have experienced the wonder and awe-inspiring scenery of the Sonoran Desert...enjoy a few photos while you get a glimpse of what it offers:

Ridge Near Diamond Bell Ranch

Our lesson starts approximately 25 minutes west of Tucson just off of Sierrita Mountain Road.
Diamond Bell Ranch is a very popular place to have a little elbow room without having to break then bank.
Manufactured and site built homes are allowed, with a 1 acre minimum lot.

 
Prickly Pear Cactus

Star of movies, postcards and fantasies of the "Old West" worldwide, the Prickly Pear Cactus can
grow just about anywhere...including my neighbor's rain gutter.

Palo Verde Tree

Once thought to be proof that aliens do visit the planet, The Palo Verde Tree is the State Tree of Arizona
Similar in some ways to a mesquite, the green bark is its trademark.
Some people still swear that it is proof of alien horticulture, but usually only after they've eaten the wrong
kind of cactus.

 
Cholla Cactus (Choy-uh)

The Cholla is sometimes called the "Jumping Cactus" in polite company because of its remarkable ability
to jump out and stick people with its needles, even though you might swear you were nowhere near it.
The Cholla is rumored to cause more swearing than any other species of cactus.

"Cholla Babies"

One reason people may often swear that they were never near a cholla when they get stuck with its needles
is the unique way it spreads--notice the little nodules.  When ripe, they will be covered with thorns and drop off of the mother plant, ready to be scattered by the wind or "hitching a ride" on passing animals or people.
Usually, its presence isn't noticed until some time later when one of the needles works its way through your jeans or shoe to let you know that the Cholla Baby wants to be dropped off now.

 "Fishook" Barrel Cactus

The barrel cactus has several varieties...this being the one commonly called "The Fishook."
Legend has it that natives used the spines to catch their dinner in the local stream.  Given the fact that there are rarely streams nearby that have fish in them, I rather doubt it.
But it does make for a good story!


Fishook Barrel Cacti are notable because of their toughness and hardiness.  Obviously, they are not known as the most intelligent members of the cactus family.  This one has been around for years, but still is unable to determine which way is UP.

Pop Quiz

Now that you have had a chance to study, please name the varieties of cacti seen in this photo.
Which one doesn't belong?

If you guessed that the bull doesn't belong, you are only partially correct.  The Sonoran Desert is an excellent place for cattle to graze.  Horses love the area too.  Just remember, bulls have horns...cacti have thorns.

Thanks for reading, kids.  I'll leave you with another view from the Diamond Bell Ranch...remember, if you want a piece of "The Old West" for your very own...I'm only a phone call or email away!
Until next time!