Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Desert Turns Yellow

Summer definitely seems to be coming fast. Yesterday the high at TUS was 90F, while low here at gouse was 40F - so another day with a 50F diurnal swing.


As I walked along the Rillito this morning I was impressed by bright displays of yellow blooms - trees down in the cold wash seem further along than those here at the house. Above is shot of a native palo verde tree in the backyard with its yellow blooms mixed with a bit of red that's atop the ocotilla. Below shows another view of same tree, this time contrasted with the bright, waxy green of a tree whose name I don't know. It is native to Mongolia and is extremely drought and heat resistant - also has very wicked thorns, but does produce a small, apple-like fruit. Native mesquite trees also bloom yellow and are in color along the wash, but not yet here on our street.



Final photo above is of a palo brea tree in the courtyard that is just starting to bloom. In foreground is an octopus agave that has shot up its amazing spike, which is now blooming yellow from bottom to eventually the top.

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