BTA gets the " MST " Pts # 8 & 9 ..Interesting Legumes, giant Tipu.. And a few flowers

[Silas_Sancona]

Title speaks for itself..  As one of the largest plant groups on the planet, Legumes are one of the most important. While well represented in desert regions, there are countless others in both temperate and tropical parts of the globe. Some, like Mesquite/ Palo Verde/ Desert Ironwood, and various Acacia sp. of the region are expected, the Arboretum contains numerous others i wasn't quite expecting to see in a garden in the desert that sits above 2,000ft, well away from any " heat island " influence Phoenix and surrounding areas might provide.  Haven't seen a few in any other Botanical collection here or in Tucson.. those i have visited anyway.

Aside from his extensive collection of Cacti / Yucca, and other succulent-type plants, Wallace also had a collection of rare/ practically never seen before Legumes one of which i was hoping survived the move from his former garden, in Scottsdale, to the garden dedicated to him, up here at Boyce..

Part 9 is just a few random, non-succulent things that were in bloom while wandering around.. Had it rained this year, more wildflowers would bee popping, and it's still a bit cool to kick off spring flowering season, on a bigger sale, in the garden itself, aside from the Aloes..

Tomorrow, some final scenes from around the Arboretum. Will be in the Ohana Nui section, as usual.  Hope those interested have enjoyed the tour..

Kind of a miss leading name.. Hairy Acacia, Acacia permixta < S. Africa > More spines than hairy ..anything.., lol




Acacia brachystachya, Umbrella Mulga < Australia > Similar overall look to the more common, and widely planted Acacia aneura but smaller foliage.


NOID Australian Acacia in the Taylor Family Desert Legume Garden.


Leaf on Vachellia aroma, < South America >..


The 2 distinct forms of Schotia afra ( from South Africa ) : Would have taken pictures of the entire trees to further illustrate the distinct difference between the two forms but, specimens of both are on the small side, and blend in w/ the rest of the vegetation right now where they're planted ( South African Garden ).. Too early for flowers anyway.

Schotia afra var. afra


Schotia afra var. angustifolia


Much larger leaved, Schotia brachypetala. < S. Africa >


Piscida mollis ( Sonoran Fish Poison Tree ) Little surprised to see this native of S. Sonora / Sinaloa here. Much smaller ( and much more accessible than another bigger specimen at Desert Botanical ) but
seems to be doing well. Velvety leaves are an added bonus.
seems 





Albizia sinaloensis, another not-so-expected Southern Sonoran native find here.


While i can't find a reason why they wouldn't survive up here, wasn't expecting to find a few rather giant Tipuana tipu in the Arboretum. Largest, located near the Arboretum's Greenhouse ( closed for renovations until March 1st ) rivals some i have seen here, and in Florida.







Years ago while surfing around, came across a rather interesting species of Mimosa, that could be mistaken for an Orchid Tree native to Tamaulipas.  Was surprised to learn Wallace had been growing it successfully in his garden here in the desert. When the time came that the garden closed/ plants were to be moved, crossed my fingers this particular plant would make the transition and hopefully survive..  Looks like it's doing well so far. To my surprise, there are two specimens in the Wallace Garden to look over. Hopefully this makes it into cultivation relatively soon.

Mimosa martin- delcampoi  Yes, it does exist..  Just wish i could catch/ share pictures of it flowering.











Have shared admiration of this species before but nice to see a grove of Chilean Palo Verde, Geoffroea decorticans with a minimal -but effective- carpet of spring emerald green below gnarled, and green trunks.






Despite the potential troubles with them, like Palo Verde..  Glowing, Turquoise trunks of Palo Brea, Cercidium praecox might be my favorite of the Genus.

[Silas_Sancona]

Pt # 9 ..A few random flowers... Too early for many, too dry for most of our natives.. More non native things starting to pop down here in the valley though.

Tithonia diversifolia, Giant Mexican Sunflower. Version usually seen in gardens/ nurseries here has un-lobed, velvety- surfaced leaves, and seems to stay smaller than the more typical form.




Malabar Nut, Justicia adhatoda. Provided regular water thru the summer, maybe a little filtered light later in the day, this tropical looking plant seems to tolerate desert sun/heat quite well.


Germander, Teucrium sp.




Brittlebush, Encelia farinosa