Botanical Diversity In The Mojave Desert

Breathe in. Close your eyes. That earthy aroma wafting from the desert valleys when it rains – that’s largely the smell of creosote bush, Larrea tridentata. This highly aromatic and remarkable plant serves as our sensory guide through these monsoonal days. Creo-soaked: The smell comes from the waxy coating on the plant’s leaves, a resin used for self-defense from predators and harsh UV rays. The creosote releases these oils which then fill the rainy air. Few animals can stomach the creosote’s oi

Smoke trees (also known as... - Mojave Desert Land Trust