Summer School - Extra Credit

[lindyannajones]

It's been awhile since I've shared photos that didn't have anything to do with the Saguaro and facts. As I'm looking at some photos I've taken over the last month, I find two I like and then a third and then I get kinda excited because it turns out they are all photos of the same plant. Add one more photo from last year and guess what? Summer School! Photos first. Explanation to follow.

The Mesquite Tree

The desert has many surprises. Cactus plants like the Prickly Pear and Saguaro are really just very pokey fruit bushes and trees. Remember the pretty Palo Verde with the masses of yellow blooms? They are just one of several other species of desert tree that are seed bearing. Their presence helps answer the question "how can anything survive in the desert?" Between the fruitful cactus and seed producing trees, the animals and people have managed quite well for several eons.

The signature tree in the desert is called the Mesquite. It has many uses starting with the shade it provides to desert critters on hot summer days. Here are some others: The root, bark and leaves have many medicinal benefits. The seeds, high in protein and sugar, is ground into flour and can be used in baking. It has a nutty flavor and makes great cookies. (You can buy it on Amazon) The lumber made from the trunk has a beautiful wood grain and is used to make furniture and flooring. Native people also used it for making tools and musical instruments. The wood was also used for fuel and is currently valued for the flavor the smoke provides for BBQ. Mesquite Charcoal briquettes are a must for outdoor grilling.

Recess.

[FromtheBackofaHorse]

Dang it woman...I don't think you ever take a bad photo.

PS...I thought of you yesterday as we were riding. We went down to southern CO near Canon city where it is desert and as I passed a flowering cactus, you were right there with me. Unfortunately, I was moving at a pretty good clip and didn't turn around to get the shot.

[jack russell]

stunners! what a great series ..

[Fred flyfisher]

Lindy, you are so full of surprises. I love the things I've learned reading your threads. I never knew the mesquite was a tree. We have Mesquite bushes in the Mojave but, I don't know anything about them. I should learn... Mesquite is one of my favoreit woods for adding that nice smokey flavor to grilled meats. The photos are exquisite. Nice job!

[beachcomber]

Isn't it a shame that all teachers don't prepare more thoroughly, create better support materials, and deliver to this high standard all the time.
Thank you Miss.

It is a good thing for an uneducated man to read books of quotations.
churchill

beach

[jakethepig]

Those photographs are outstanding and I thought that we had finished school for the summer. I will certainly enroll for the summer school as long as we keep seeing your wonderful work. A new one for me is the desert bee. lol...

Jake.

[LyndaDi]

Beautiful!

[timsville]

all wonderful photos Lindy. and thank you for the lesson.

[billmac57]

Never been to summer school, but why not! You have changed completely my perception of the desert Linda, these pictures are fascinating and so well taken, the green monster in me is starting to grow again.

[Vinam]

another beautiful presentation Lindy.. fantastic photos and I always love your narratives.. outstanding stuff and thanks for the info !!

Vin