Cacti and then some...

An hour's drive out of Phoenix, Arizona, is the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. It was my first visit to such a place. Normally, I visit collections of inanimate objects or biological specimens. Collections of animals or sea creatures, musical instruments or aeroplanes are usually the food to satisfy my curiosity. Never plants.  But Kim was insistent.

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum fulfilled a desire I was not aware of. There are almost 400 acres of desert plants in the collection. But not of the southwestern United States only, but of the South American and Australian deserts as well. Here in the Sonoran Desert are over 3900 different desert plants. Succulents of myriad shapes and colors are here. The topography is that of the desert with an elevation increasing to

over one hundred feet beneath the shadow of Picketpost Mountain. Surprising to me were the large shaded areas created by tall trees. The trails were well marked along with the plants, and for the most part were conducive for a leisurely walk. Near Queen Creek the path narrowed as it overlooked the slowly flowing water. As you gained elevation the landscape became stark but allowed vistas of the acreage below.  The trail is 1.5 miles long but shorter segments can be enjoyed. There are wild animals in the arboretum but they are seldom seen. The crowds of people keep the bobcats and javelinas at bay, but you must be cautious of the rattlesnakes and gila monsters. I marveled at the diversity and hardiness of the desert plants. They seemed to live right on the edge of botanical life. 

Desert plants present an interesting way in which they adapt to their environment. By definition they are succulents. According to the botanists, plants that are engorged, thickened, and fleshy usually to retain water in arid conditions are succulents . Actually the name succulent comes from the Latin word succus, meaning juice or sap. Succulents can store as much as 90% of their weight as water. Probably the most recognizable succulent is the saguaro cactus. The cactus swells when absorbing water and its ribs disappear.

The arboretum was created by a mining engineer. It seems to me ironic that a person committed to removing the wealth of the earth would create a place to honor it.   Arizona is well known for mining and William Boyce Thompson operated two of the largest. In 1924 Thompson exhibited his love of desert plants by creating the arboretum. Not only is it a botanical park but also a place for botanists to do research. Their green houses are replete with plants, some of which are sold by the gift shop. 

   

At the Boyce Thompson Arboretum all kinds of succulents are there to observe and enjoy. It was a very enjoyable and educational visit. I thought the entry fee was reasonable and the arboretum was well designed for visitors. There was an interesting maze of stone for children or like minded adults to enjoy.  However, it would behoove one to visit before  the heat of the day. Arizona heat can be brutal. But I would visit it again - the garden in the desert - the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.