Monday, December 10, 2012

12/9/12 -  Off to Boyce Thompson Arboretum - world class botanical garden in Superior, AZ, one hour east of phoenix, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.  Hostel friends Gwenael and Akiko are joining me.  A wonderful afternoon exploring three miles of garden paths and trails winding through 392 acres of plant exhibits and striking landscapes - over 2600 different types of plants from the deserts of Australia, north and South America, southern Africa and other arid land regions from the world blending seamlessly into an incomparable natural setting, nestled along Queen Creek at the foot of Picket Post Mountain.

This arboretum opened in 1929.  It is a mecca for the study of desert plants, studied for drought resistance, potential uses as forage, medicines, perfume oil, soil binding and ornamental usage.
I'm in love with cactus and viewed numerous varieties today.




One of the many facts I learned today was that Saguaro cactus can shed more than 40 million seeds.

I would love to return to this region when Spring returns and cactus are in bloom!







  

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