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Desert Willow

By Therese | February 12, 2009

Deserts are full of plants that have adapted to a harsh environment.  Not only must they deal with a lack of water, but also with temperature extremes that can go from 150F during the day to freezing at night.  On top of all that, the soil is full of salt.  The desert willow is such a plant.  It has adapted to life in the desert.  It even throws in some bright flowers.

Technically the Desert Willow isn’t a willow.  In reality it’s part of the Begonia family.  No other Begonia grows in the entire state.  These plants also grow in northern Mexico and southwestern Texas.  If makes its home in the Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan deserts. 

It’s a big plant.  The trunk can be as much as 6 inches thick.  Overall the plant can be as much as 25 feet long.  The leaves are even large, three to six inches long with sharp ends.  Their flowers can be up to 2 inches long.  Cigar like fruit can reach 8 inches long.  The fruit contains winged seeds.

The Desert Willow is a phreatophyte, a type of plant that grows long roots to absorb water either from the ground supply or water table.  If they flower, it’s a sure sign water can’t be far.  That’s means some digging will probably produce moisture.  This plant will not flower without water.  A desert wanderer can look for these flowers to find water.  Don’t look for a Desert Willow in the ultra-dry deserts like the Atacama Desert where water is really scarce. 

The Desert Willow is also called Mimbre.  It’s also used to make a tea.  That’s done with the seed pods and dried flowers.  The wood is strong enough to be used in fence posts.  The plant is therefore an integral part of human life in deserts where the plant grows.

A willow that’s not a willow, a desert plant that only grows when there is abundant water.  The Desert Willow isn’t the standard plant found in this type of environment.

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