Just one surge of late spring rain over the New Mexico desert is all it takes to replace the drab shades of winter with the vibrancy of flower blooms. New Mexico ranks number four in plant diversity in the nation- and the spring and summer seasons exhibit the most dramatic transformation in full color.
The unique adaptations of high-elevation desert plants such as cacti, require rain to ‘wake up’ and burst into life. Prickly pear, tree cholla, devil’s cholla and claretcup brighten the landscape with their red, violet, yellow and orange hues. These flowers provide an oasis for pollinators and other insects. Later in the season, the fruits of these plants serve as food for rabbits, squirrels, birds, beetles and deer.
Other plants bloom at a slower pace. In a ponderosa pine forest, penstemon and three-nerved daisies flower from early spring to late summer. In piñon-juniper woodlands and desert sites, milkvetch, Indian paintbrush, fleabane, primrose and gilia ornament the landscape. Many of these blooms provide food for certain pollinators. Evening primrose is almost exclusively pollinated by moths, particularly the hummingbird moth.
Historically, New Mexican plants have been used for medicine, spiritual practices and for sustenance. The Pueblo of Jemez used Indian Paintbrush to prevent spoilage of chili seeds because the plant’s chemical properties act as a natural pest repellent. To this day, prickly pear pads, or “nopales”, are commonly eaten while their fruits can be made into tasty jam or lemonade. This versatile plant was also used a precursor to modern-day first aid medicine. The gel within the cactus pads soothe burns and open wounds, while the spines can serve as suture needles to close a wound. The Navajo considered globemallow the “Life Medicine” as it was used for colds, headaches and for stimulating appetite.
Spring and summer open up many opportunities to truly enjoy nature and its history. Visiting public lands allows people to connect with their environment, so ignite your inner botanist and get outside!
Story and photos by Annie Montes, Associate Ecologist, and Alec Bryan, Rangeland Management Specialist.
We really need to normalise exercising and eating well for reasons other than losing weight or building huge amounts of muscle. I’ve started going to the gym recently to relieve stress and help me sleep but despite the fact that I fit into shirts and skirts in size small, I’ve been asked if I’m trying to lose weight numerous times.
Here’s a list of non-aesthetic reasons to exercise:
Legend tells that the Oak King and Holly King battle through the year. The Oak King rules until the Summer Solstice but by that time he is weak and is defeated by the Holly King who in turn rules until the Winter Solstice when the Oak King takes back his reign
Award-winning cartoonist is fired after 25 years because of political cartoons critical of Trump
I WILL SUBSCRIBE TO THE FIRST NEWSPAPER THAT HIRES THIS GUY!!!!!!!!!
how the Post-Gazette had been shutting down Rob Rogers’ cartoons since March, when Keith Burris took over as editorial director in a merger with the Toledo Blade.
Hailing from a small area in the Southeastern United States, this beautiful carnivorous plant is critically endangered. Fortunately, ex-situ conservation measures are in place, such as the preservation of seeds, and the propagation of the plants at the incredible Atlanta Botanical Garden.
For 14 years, self-taught photographer Sergio Tapiro took over 300,000 photos of Mexico’s Mount Colima “of which only 100 are good.” Then, on December 13th 2015, it finally erupted. “This picture is a gift that nature has given to me. When I saw the camera display I was shocked—I didn’t believe it.”
