Having transitioned
from our Florida home to our Nevada home for a few months, we not only must acclimate
to a three-hour time change, but also to a change in scenery. Instead of views
of beautiful tropical beaches, our road trips are now views of awesome canyons
and desert landscapes full of multiple species of cacti. I must say, as a
western author, I feel right at home!
Although
there are hundreds, if not thousands, of cacti, I'm writing about a few that
are indelibly linked with that of the American Southwest and often seen in
western films. The majority of cacti grow in the
southern parts of California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. The word, “cactus” is derived from a Greek
word, “kaktos,” meaning prickly plant.
The Saguaro Cactus is the largest of all
the other cacti in the United States, growing to heights of 50-60 feet and
weighing 2000 pounds. The Saguaros have a relatively long lifespan, often
exceeding 150 years. Some Saguaros never produce arms and are called
“spears.” The arms help increase the
productivity, as they lead to more flowers and fruit. A saguaro is able to
absorb and store large amounts of rainwater, then use the stored water as
needed. This enables the cactus to survive during periods of drought.
The Joshua Tree, also known as the “yucca
palm,” grows mostly in the Mojave Desert of southwest California and Nevada, as
well as a small area of Utah and Arizona. The Joshua Tree National Park is
located in southern California. Mormon pioneers are said to have named this
species “Joshua” tree because it mimicked the Biblical prophet Joshua waving
them, with upraised arms, toward the promised land. Natural stands of this
picturesque evergreen grow nowhere else in the world. Its height varies from
15-40 feet, take 50 years to mature and can live 150 years.
The American
Southwest wouldn’t look the same without the Prickly Pear cactus. In 1995, the Prickly Pear was named the
official Texas state plant.
The cactus
is more than landscaping for the people of the American Southwest and Mexico.
It is a source of food and can save one’s life if ever lost in the desert. The
plant bears fruit that can provide small amounts of fluid and a good amount of
nutrients. These fruits are sold in stores under the name, “tuna.” During times of severe drought in the days of
the Old West, Texas cattle would use the Prickly Pear for survival,
munching the entire plant, spines and all.
So, authors
of the American West, next time you write about the desert landscape in your
story, don’t just call that plant, “cactus,” give the reader a better visual by
calling it by its proper name.
Giddyup! Grab your reins and read
my epic historical western romances in the Wheels of Destiny Trilogy. I'm now writing the third book, Yesterday's Journey, a time-travel.
Book 1, Trail To Destiny - A turbulent cross-country journey
of heated passion, bitter vengeance and a haunted
past lead Grey Wolf & Laura on their Trail To Destiny.
Book 2, Destiny's Journey - Family deception kept Jennifer O’Malley from marrying her first love ten years ago, West Point officer, Glen Herrington. Now a Civil War widow, she leaves war-torn Richmond, determined to find her destiny. She makes the long journey west in search of Glen, only to discover he is a notorious outlaw with a price on his head.
Links:
Prickly pear and cholla are the types we have where I live (in the Kansas/Oklahoma border-corner of Colorado). When springtime is wet enough (sadly, not this year), the prickly pear will bloom yellow and pink in June.
ReplyDeleteKaye, have you ever tasted the prickly pear fruit? Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteThat's a stunning transition, Cheri. I am glad you were able to enjoy and appreciate the landscape so different from what you were used to.
ReplyDeleteI am a southeasterner from North Carolina. I have lived in Nebraska and Texas, but I could never quite give up my forests and beaches for those wide open spaces.
I wish you all the best in your new surroundings--even those cacti.
Fortunately, our primary residence remains in Florida. The reason we built a small home out here in Henderson, NV is to be near our son from time to time. He is an instructor at Nellis AFB. Always nice to hear from you, Sarah.
ReplyDeleteHi Cheri,Originally from NJ,I didn't take to palm trees in Fla or the cacti of AZ/NM for many years. More travel and time in the last two spots changed my mind. Love the prickly pear jellies and candies, wrote of the "sentinel' saguaros in BY GRACE when 6 year old Hiram battles his fears in making sgtories. Still don't care for palms!
ReplyDelete