PAST

September 04, 2006

NEXT

The mesquite tree is a very common and interesting plant of the southwest. A very peculiar fact is that it does not normally have thorns. However, when limbs are broken, eaten, or trimmed, it does possess quite a fascinating self-preservation feature as the new branches usually grow back with very tough thorns on them.

The trees are also very resilient in many other ways. With a taproot that has been known to extend for up to 190 feet, it can draw water from quite a distance and resist extremely harsh climate conditions. When totally cut down, it can regenerate even from a piece of root more than six inches below the surface of the ground. 

These are the same type of seed pods that were lying under a bull snake from last week's posting, and had made a very distinct rattling sound that startled me upon initial contact.

Galixy.net