Barrels, Hedgehogs and Elephants ..and a rare Blazing Star

[Silas_Sancona]

@Josue Diaz, @GMann @Stevetoad @LoamWolf @Fusca @Tom in Tucson @Tracy@Hillizard @Peter @JubaeaMan138 @Palm crazy.. and all..

A perfect day for some exploration of one of our local treasures.. South Mountain Preserve, which is considered the largest municipal park in the country encompasses 16,000+ Acres, 51-58 miles of trails, and covers three low elevation mountain ranges, the Gila, Guadalupe, and Ma Ha Tuak. Most people in and around Phoenix know the area as South Mountain, or the Southwest to northeast oriented ridge that separates Downtown and South Phoenix from areas to the south and south east. 

The main road that starts at Central Avenue, snakes it's way to several lookout spots high above the Valley, including Dobbins Lookout, and Telegraph Peak..where all the TV and other communication towers are located.. Observing the area from up there, you wouldn't guess that you are actually standing atop mountain peaks that would be *taller* had the valley areas below not filled with thousands of feet of sand and rock many thousands of years ago. This also applies if looking out from atop most of the other local peaks including Camelback,  the Papago Buttes near the Zoo and Botanical Garden, and the San Tans just southeast of the house here in Chandler..

Today's objective was to see what wildflowers recent rains, as well as the wetter fall we'd experienced last year, had brought out, and to observe and get a better idea of the number of local Bursera  microphylla  growing in a section of the park i hadn't yet explored. Needless to say, i wasn't disappointed, actually observed more specimens than i'd anticipated. Plus, after the Brahea in Baja thread started by GMann, and the discussion that followed among fellow members, it was time i got myself out into the desert.. 

Since my hiking legs are in somewhat less shape than i'd like ( living where it is basically flat the last few years can do that, among other things of late ), i decided to take a less strenuous route through Telegraph Pass from the south. Once at the top of the trail, i decided to extend the exploring to a section of the National Trail that crosses the road. Despite getting to the parking lot around 10:30 this morning, it was almost completely full.. The city is also apparently doing some expansion work as well, further limiting parking spaces.. Regardless, all worked out, so onto some exploring we go..

A couple views from the trail head at the Parking lot, Telegraph Peak in view on the right ( picture #1) Full view in picture #2 This section of the trail is paved and easy access to anyone who might not be able to access more challenging terrain. Telegraph Pass runs between the peak to the right, and other hill on the left..  While the landscape doesn't look lush from a more, living in the tropics perspective, it isn't hard to see that the wetter conditions, starting back in October, have helped things green up more than in recent years..


Moving along, it didn't take much time before i started seeing spring flowers.. While i wouldn't call this year's show extravagant atm, there's plenty to see if you look around.. Certainly much more than last year  when we'd had no rain at all.. Most prevalent on most slopes, especially lower areas, were Notch leaved Phacelia ( Phacelia crenulata) Observed what looked to me like another species ( smaller flowers) but might be a smaller-flowered form.. Didn't get pictures. 

Phacelia crenulata, Notch Leaved Phacelia. Nice, lighter colored plant in picture #4
 


Further along, came upon some Coulter's Lupine( Lupinus sparsiflorus), one of two species i observed along the trail. The other sp. hasn't yet started flowering yet. Pretty common in good years, tougher to find in quantity in drier years.. Range extends from Central and S. Cal., to west Texas.. One of my favorite species.. Wasn't sure if i'd encounter any here..  Fuzzy, silvery foliage adds a nice touch to a cool spring annual.

Brittlbush (Encelia farinosa) were flowering everywhere.. though more so on slopes/ along neighborhood road cuts and washes outside the park..

Tons of seedlings in some of the accessible washes.



A really nice, super silvery blue specimen, and a smaller plant next to it encountered at the top of the pass.

 

Something i'd hoped to have the opportunity to see here.. Not many people would thing of Spike Mosses ( Genus Selaginella) being able to grow in the Desert.. While i'd anticipate encountering them in cooler, shaded north facing slopes, i was surprised to encounter these under such things as Cresote Bush, and hanging out below Barrel and Hedgehog Cacti ( Ferocactus and Echinocereus ) in much more sun. Pretty cool..  While not 100% certain with the ID, thinking this is Arizona Spike Moss (Selaginella arizonica) Neat..


Good as these were to encounter, ..on to some Barrels, Elephants, and Hedgehogs ( ..the really good stuff ).. and some'more views.. 

[Silas_Sancona]

Next up.. the Cacti.. 

It goes without saying that you don't have to travel far to see plants that say "Desert" without speaking.. and of course, Arizona could be considered Cactus center of the Southwest.. Here in the Park, you'll find several species though i wish AZ. Rainbows ( Echinocereus rigidissimus) were common here as well.. anyway,,

Lots of Hedgehogs to be found.. Species is either Echinocereus engelmannii or stamineus. Both are often called "Straw Pile Cactus" and, though i have seen both separately in gardens, i still have a hard time telling them apart. Fruit of both, esp. E. stamineus are edible.. Flesh is sweet and taste like Strawberry.



Hedgehogs with a great view...



Barrel Cactus ( Ferocactus sp.), another Genus i have a hard time telling apart in the field.. All over the place, and every size you could want.. 

Nicely spined single specimens


Different angles of rarer 5 clustered specimen


Another big 'n tall Barrel, trying to compete w/ a  young Saguaro. ( Don't tell it it won't win the "Tallest Cactus" race..)


Cholla 'Galore.. Just don't try 'n give em a hug.. Not sure on ID of the not a Teddy Bear.. Ouch!


Cholla, 'n  Barrels together, forever..


Opuntia, something.. up top.



Graham's Nipple Cactus, Mammillaria grahamii. While fairly common, these stay small, are usually hiding under Cresote Bush, Palo Verde, or Ironwood and are harder to spot. Expected some, encountered many.. many with fruit, which is edible, though you're gonna have to collect a lot of it to really enjoy it.. Have to say, of the different forms i have seen in gardens and nurseries, this Black-spined form is quite attractive.. Dare i say sexy.. Nipple cactus Porn, anyone?..

Singles..


Nice, offsetting cluster.


Saguaro-ey views and Elephants, ahead..
 

[Silas_Sancona]

Double header?..


Saguaros near


Saguaros far ( look closely to picture #2 to see just how far)


Saguaros all over the place..



..And then there were Elephants, with Golden skin..

Here at South Mountain, Bursera Microphylla, also called "Elephant Tree" reaches it's north-easterly limit locally. While the sub-species or form that occur here has been studied well,  there aren't all that many tagged w/ picture observations posted both on SeiNet and Inaturalist so, if one were to research just how big the potential population is here, one might get the assumption that the specie's occurrence was scattered..or isolated in a few spots. While you won't encounter it everywhere in the park, there were plenty to find along the trail, more than i'd thought. While most were on the smaller side, there were a couple i encountered that exceeded at least 9ft in height, also saw at least one younger specimen, hinting that there is some degree of on-going recruitment in this population, a good sign. Unlike the trip to another part of the park back in 2016, specimens here are much easier to observe up-close (Almost slid down the side of a mountain last time, trying to get closer to specimens there)  Nice to finally be able to get closer acquainted with this species.. and note differences between it and two other forms of the species i have at the house.. Great Caudiciform tree for a desert or dry tropical- themed garden..

Various specimens along the trail



Some minor foliage /trunk detail


..And about that rare Blazing Star.

Not all that commonly seen in the park. First time i have seen it here in AZ,  this was another nice treat for the day. Sand Blazing Star, Mentzelia involucrata, hanging out with an Elephant.


Come for the plants,  hang out for awhile and enjoy some Sonoran Desert views..

[Silas_Sancona]

Yep, sure can't beat such a view on a Friday afternoon.. Enjoy




-Nathan

[bubba]

Wow! The ever changing sameness is spectacular! That was epic and thank you!

[JubaeaMan138]

Epic to say the least !! Loved every picture. Even the silver blue shrub with the yellow orange flowers. I have that plant growing all over my property and I can’t seem to get rid of it . Now I won’t try to get rid of it amazing how nice it looks in its native habitat . Is this a native plant for me as well?

[Silas_Sancona]

6 hours ago, JubaeaMan138 said:

Epic to say the least !! Loved every picture. Even the silver blue shrub with the yellow orange flowers. I have that plant growing all over my property and I can’t seem to get rid of it . Now I won’t try to get rid of it amazing how nice it looks in its native habitat . Is this a native plant for me as well?

Yes, Brittlebush is also native to your area.. You also may see plants that are crosses between Brittlebush ( Encelia farinosa) and California Brittlebush ( E. californica) since it's native range also apparently extends east into the west side of Riverside county, from the coast. E. farinosa's native range does the opposite ( extends west from the deserts) 

Agree and have seen where it appears to dominate an area, especially places where the soil had recently been disturbed or receive more moisture than usual. Unlike other things that can get weedy, un- wanted volunteers can be pulled pretty easily. 

[Stevetoad]

Awesome post. I love these desert plants!

[Palm crazy]

Love the pics I can feel the warmth in those photos. The desert is alive with color. 

Edited January 26, 2019 by Palm crazy

[Hillizard]

Silas_Sancona: Thanks for the botanizing! Really enjoyed seeing all those great pictures (esp. the close-ups) of your native plants.

[Josue Diaz]

Nathan, you've basically walked us through this park. What a wonderful place to live near to. The bursera especially! What a cool looking plant! adding to my want list now. 

[Tracy]

Thank you for sharing the well annotated photos.  It is pretty amazing how green it is right now; this winter's rains have really worked their magic.

[greysrigging]

Have you guys ever tried growing some native Australian desert plants ? Here's a couple for your perusal.... climatically similar although I'm unsure of the soil types. Sturts Desert Pea would thrive in Arizona I think ... the purple flowering plant is called Mulla Mulla and is very common throughout Outback Western Australia. The one with the tomato type flower is known as 'bush tomato'. The yellow flowering small tree I'm not sure of its name. There are other seasonal wildflowers in the arid regions of WA that would probably grow in the Arizona/New Mexico deserts. The southern and inland arid zones do get the occaisional frosts in winter, even the northern Pilbara gets quite chilly in the winter months.

 

[Silas_Sancona]

Appreciate all the comments /  feedback from everyone.. 

@Bubba, Tracy, Roger (PalmCrazy)  Agree,  It's pretty easy to look across the landscape and see a lot of " hot, ho-hum Desert "same-ness" until of course you explore a bit more. Aside from the Mountains, the further south you head..from here south to the border anyway, you loose the typical low desert landscape and get into areas that might casually resemble African Savannah, Oak Woodlands in CA, or Grasslands out east in the Plains, and can border on almost tropical-looking with how green they can become during wetter than average summer Monsoon seasons. Mountains up north and east, above the Rim, and Higher elevation portions of the Sky Islands across Southern AZ  are of course, a whole 'nother world entirely.. 

@Stevetoad, Fusca, Jubaeaman138, GMann, LoamWolf, Peter.. Figured you, among others, would appreciate pictures of the Cacti and Bursera, especially those since you'd missed the chance to get pictures / drone footage of the ones growing around Anza Borrego and where you hiked to observe / film local Washingtonia filifera populations.. South Mountain would also be a great, easily accessible spot to shoot drone footage though i'll have to ask what (if any) restrictions might exist since the park is close to Sky Harbor. I know Hang gliders launch from he highest access point atop Telegraph Peak. 

@Hillizard, always neat to see what the winter (or summer) rains bring out. A number of the species i'd encountered also extend into CA as well (especially around Anza Borrego). Oddly, there are spots south of here, in the Ironwood Nat. Monument where isolated, relict populations of some wildflower species that are common in the Mojave Desert, closer to Death Valley, can be found and no where else across AZ.  Most of the really cool Arizona endemic stuff is more commonly encountered up in the mountains, or across southern AZ( where you will also find tropical stuff extending north out of Mexico).

@Josue, Figured you'd like the Cacti / Bursera picts.  B. microphylla should be fairly easy to find there. Easy in the ground or potted, water often in the summer and they grow pretty fast. No water through the winter. Have seen pictures / read an article regarding someone in Palm Springs who has huge specimens in their garden.

While i don't think you'd have any serious,  cold-related issues,  plants propagated from specimens in Anza Borrego, here in AZ, and a supposedly hybrid form ( B. microphylla "Waterman Mtn. form) are said to be the most tolerant of a frost /freeze. Might be a great addition for the Zoo project you're getting involved in, or for Fresno's Cacti and Succulent Society's Demo Garden, if not already included in their collection.. At least 4-7 other Bursera sp.  i'd suspect might do well there also/ worht researching.   Btw, lol.. you're practically at Yosemite's doorstep.. That's just a tad nicer

@Greysrigging,  Yes, Australian natives are pretty well established here in local landscapes / nurseries.. Esp. Eucalyptus, Emu Bushes (Eremophila), Several Cassia / Senna sp., and Acacia. Have also seen the second plant (Mulla Mulla) or, something strongly resembling it in nurseries. Not sure why but have yet to see the Swansonia sp. pictured (let alone any other sp.) cultivated much here, or in CA. ( also a hot spot for Aussie natives) Not sure if the issue is seed availability here in the states, but i know i myself have been looking for a seed source for this Genus.. Among other rarely seen Australian natives.. Including several you'd shared pictures of awhile back..  

Agree w/ you, Like stuff from arid parts of Africa, many additional great plants, from hot places in Australia that would be / should be great to try here in the U.S. Southwest. 

[greysrigging]

I've always thought the Swainsona to be very, very tricky to cultivate successfully. My father grew it in pots when I was a young 'un, but as the attached article says, the cultivated plants must have perfect drainage. In the arid parts ( in other words, all ) of the Pilbara, WA, it grows profusely in the harshest environments, ie on roadside verges right next to the blacktop, or in sand dunes, in rocky escarpment country and the like. I've collected seeds lots of times but haven't cracked the germination code yet.... lol 

https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2011/swainsona-formosa.html

[Silas_Sancona]

2 hours ago, greysrigging said:

I've always thought the Swainsona to be very, very tricky to cultivate successfully. My father grew it in pots when I was a young 'un, but as the attached article says, the cultivated plants must have perfect drainage. In the arid parts ( in other words, all ) of the Pilbara, WA, it grows profusely in the harshest environments, ie on roadside verges right next to the blacktop, or in sand dunes, in rocky escarpment country and the like. I've collected seeds lots of times but haven't cracked the germination code yet.... lol 

https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2011/swainsona-formosa.html

Very interesting link. Thanks for sharing. Did not know they could be grafted ..and at such a young stage. 

From your description, and that in the article, it sounds like this is the kind of desert species that grows where seed will be naturally *tumbled* or physically tossed about by flowing water before germinating ( gravely /sandy road cuts, in washes / gullys etc..) and resents receiving overhead water (can induce crown / root rot) Preferring to soak up water from below.

If correct, i'd treat the seed like some of the natives here which occur in similar habitats (Indigobush /Smoke Tree { Genus Psorothamnus} and several other desert Legume sp., Devil's Claw,  Kallstroemia.. even Sacred Datura seed which seem to grow best when washed over / through gravel and sand before germinating.  In the case of the smaller seed-sized Legumes (like Swansonia) one option for scratching the seed coat could be placing seed in a small jar or baggie w/ something like a couple tablespoons of river sand / small gravel, and shaking it repeatedly, then placing the contents / seed in prepared pots.  I'd try it if i had seed..

 

[greysrigging]

Seed availability in Australia is reasonable, I've seen them for sale in chain store type garden centers occasionally ( not where I live in the Deep North tropics but.... ) I'm driving down to Sydney next week ( a leisurely 2,500 mile run in 110f temps most of the way.... should be fun.... ) I'll keep an eye out for packaged seeds. Are you guys in Arizona able to source seeds from Australia ? ( Difficult the other way due to our quarantine laws ).

https://www.aspectsofkingspark.com.au/garden-and-outdoors/wildflower-seeds-sturt-pea-539.html

https://www.nindethana.net.au/product-detail.aspx?p=2699

A mass planting in the Phoenix area would look spectacular !

[Silas_Sancona]

32 minutes ago, greysrigging said:

Seed availability in Australia is reasonable, I've seen them for sale in chain store type garden centers occasionally ( not where I live in the Deep North tropics but.... ) I'm driving down to Sydney next week ( a leisurely 2,500 mile run in 110f temps most of the way.... should be fun.... ) I'll keep an eye out for packaged seeds. Are you guys in Arizona able to source seeds from Australia ? ( Difficult the other way due to our quarantine laws ).

https://www.aspectsofkingspark.com.au/garden-and-outdoors/wildflower-seeds-sturt-pea-539.html

https://www.nindethana.net.au/product-detail.aspx?p=2699

A mass planting in the Phoenix area would look spectacular !

As far as i know and have looked into, not seeing any restrictions listed by our state Ag. Dept. of receiving seed from there..  Arizona is more strict with live plants from Florida than anything else. 

[greysrigging]

I'll find some seeds and post them to you.... get a mailing address once I find the seeds.... 

[Fusca]

Awesome pics Nathan!  I didn't realize how much plant diversity I was missing as I raced down IH-8!  Next time I'll definitely take more time!

Doug, those Sturts Desert Pea (Swainsona formosa) look like alien creatures!  Very interesting!  I'm very familiar with the Solanum quadriloculatum, or at least a similar plant that grows here - I find these to be attractive "weeds" - never thought of eating the tomatoes though! 

 

[LoamWolf]

Great photos, thanks for sharing! Gotta love the diversity of the desert! 

[Silas_Sancona]

8 hours ago, Fusca said:

Awesome pics Nathan!  I didn't realize how much plant diversity I was missing as I raced down IH-8!  Next time I'll definitely take more time!

Doug, those Sturts Desert Pea (Swainsona formosa) look like alien creatures!  Very interesting!  I'm very familiar with the Solanum quadriloculatum, or at least a similar plant that grows here - I find these to be attractive "weeds" - never thought of eating the tomatoes though! 

 

Jon, a lot more to see when you have the opportunity for sure.

Catalina State Park,  just N.E. of Tucson has a pretty good list of what plants have been documented growing there posted on their site. Pretty surprised to see just how much can be found in the park itself.  Planning a trip out that way in a couple weeks to scout for our native Coral Tree, Erythrina flabelliformis, and other stuff not common up this way. Weather is supposed to turn wetter for at least the next week, hoping that brings out more flowers later on. At least it will keep any early season heat away ..for now, lol.

As for the Solanum,  you might be thinking of Silverleaf Nightshade, S. elaeagnifolium which grows over most of the West / Plains states, inc. most of Texas.. One of 3 or so species that grow around here. Don't think the fruit is edible though. Can get a little weedy, sometimes spreading around a bit, but is otherwise a great, summer flowering Perennial / sub-shrub.

[Hillizard]

14 hours ago, greysrigging said:

I'll find some seeds and post them to you.... get a mailing address once I find the seeds.... 

Greysrigging: I find that while many seeds are available from Australian growers via eBay, and there's even a mail order California nursery that specializes in Australian species, seeds of some plants are almost impossible to locate. For example,  Alloxylon flammeum, which I've been trying for years to get my hands on! 

Then again, while I can easily get seeds of and germinate one of our iconic desert natives, Psorothamnus spinosus ("smoke tree"), I've never been able to get it beyond the 1st year of growth. So challenges abound, both here and overseas! 

[greysrigging]

3 hours ago, Hillizard said:

Greysrigging: I find that while many seeds are available from Australian growers via eBay, and there's even a mail order California nursery that specializes in Australian species, seeds of some plants are almost impossible to locate. For example,  Alloxylon flammeum, which I've been trying for years to get my hands on! 

Then again, while I can easily get seeds of and germinate one of our iconic desert natives, Psorothamnus spinosus ("smoke tree"), I've never been able to get it beyond the 1st year of growth. So challenges abound, both here and overseas! 

Yeah, nice tree, we call 'em Red Silky Oak or Queensland Waratah. Grows naturally on the Atherton Tablelands inland from Cairns ... a moderately Highland sub tropical climate. Fairly hardy plant that will grow in colder climates in NSW and even Victoria ( with a bit of frost protection ).

You ever heard of a Western Australian tree called Christmas Tree !  Strikes easily from seed but almost always dies after a year or so.... its actually a mistletoe that taps into the roots of other plants and even grasses for its nutrients.... and is rather particular re the species it parasites. Have a read of the links and check out the magnificent flowers !

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuytsia

https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/blogs/wild-journey/2017/05/australias-giant-parasitic-christmas-tree/

[Hillizard]

3 hours ago, greysrigging said:

Yeah, nice tree, we call 'em Red Silky Oak or Queensland Waratah. Grows naturally on the Atherton Tablelands inland from Cairns ... a moderately Highland sub tropical climate. Fairly hardy plant that will grow in colder climates in NSW and even Victoria ( with a bit of frost protection ).

You ever heard of a Western Australian tree called Christmas Tree !  Strikes easily from seed but almost always dies after a year or so.... its actually a mistletoe that taps into the roots of other plants and even grasses for its nutrients.... and is rather particular re the species it parasites. Have a read of the links and check out the magnificent flowers !

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuytsia

https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/blogs/wild-journey/2017/05/australias-giant-parasitic-christmas-tree/

Thanks for those links.  I'd read about the life history and seen pictures of Nuytsia floribunda in my botany courses. I've long had an interest in parasitic plants, esp. Phoradendron, our native mistletoe, which uses oaks and other trees as hosts. I've even tried to establish in my yard some native Castilleja ("prarie-fire') a hemiparasite on grass roots, but haven't been successful, yet.

[Gonzer]

Outstanding!