A unique look and name
Credit: Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher
Colors in the desert
Credit: NPS
A family thing
Credit: NPS
Spread far and wide
Credit: NPS
Claiming a sea-view
Credit: Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher
Seeing what's not there
Credit: NPS
Hearty desert dweller
Credit: LakeHavasuCity.gov
Tiny beauty and meals
Credit: Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher
Thirsty flora
Credit: NPS
With such a unique reproduction strategy that depends on flowing water to both disperse and scarify their seeds, the Desert Smoketree growth is limited to desert areas where the flow of water occurs off and on throughout the year. And even when a desert wash or arroyo looks extremely dry, the water found just below the surface of the wash is always significantly greater than what is found at the surface.
Thriving in rough conditions
Credit: Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher
Known by many names
Credit: Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher
In areas where Spanish is the predominant language, this desert dweller is called Palo de Humo (Smoking Stick), Palo Cenizo (ashen stick) or Corona de Cristo (Crown of Christ).
Strange and beautiful
Credit: NPS