Miriam, thank you for this bright and infomative muse. I had no idea there was a sloth in the picture back in the day! Also, those clones, are they similar in purpose to the creosote clones?
Similar mechanism! Both create new stems through rhizomes (not stolons, another type of vegetative means via horizontal roots). Clonal expansion also allows plants to colonize an area to keep others from encroaching and possibly outcompeting, and it maintains the viability of the main root system in the event that the original plant is damaged. I'd imagine that in the case of the Jt, baby clones can protect the main trunk of the parent plant from herbivory - as critter bait in lean rain years, but this is just intuitive and not shown in any literature I've seen. As merely an enthusiast I can't speak to the full purpose of Jt clones vs. creosote clones but you just know that there's got to be a lot of other cool stuff going on. Hope this satisfies!
I love Miriam's writing style, the nitty-gritty facts cleverly expressed with humor and light hearted explanations. I knew a bit about masting, but now I know a lot more! Desert Trumpet readers can read a lot more of Miriam's great writing about desert-wise landscaping and gardening at the Morongo Basin Conservation Association website, on the Landscaping How To's page. (sorry, can't seem to put the link here). You'll enjoy it and learn a lot!
Hi Laraine, I've discovered the way linking works in comments is just copy and paste the link! It doesn't show as linked as you type but it goes live once you post your comment. For instance https://www.mbconservation.org/landscaping_how_to_s
Fascinating and gorgeously written! I was unaware of the masting phenomenon, and both theories on its purpose sound plausible. I was also unaware that rodents were the primary dispersers of seeds. Hopefully, they’ll be so busy with it this masting year that they won’t have time to chew our cars’ wiring! Also interesting to think about all the genetic potential contained within a seed. Since Joshua Trees grow so slowly, I imagine it will be ages before their evolution—when it occurs—is observable? Thank you for this delightful and informative read!
Great information clearly and delightfully presented. Bravo. Though honestly I was a bit disappointed to discover that the masting topic would not touch on seafaring information.
Miriam, thank you for this bright and infomative muse. I had no idea there was a sloth in the picture back in the day! Also, those clones, are they similar in purpose to the creosote clones?
Similar mechanism! Both create new stems through rhizomes (not stolons, another type of vegetative means via horizontal roots). Clonal expansion also allows plants to colonize an area to keep others from encroaching and possibly outcompeting, and it maintains the viability of the main root system in the event that the original plant is damaged. I'd imagine that in the case of the Jt, baby clones can protect the main trunk of the parent plant from herbivory - as critter bait in lean rain years, but this is just intuitive and not shown in any literature I've seen. As merely an enthusiast I can't speak to the full purpose of Jt clones vs. creosote clones but you just know that there's got to be a lot of other cool stuff going on. Hope this satisfies!
Hello readers, before lobbing tomatoes...a late breaking correction: Yucca jaegerina is meant to be Yucca jaegeriana, with the extra "a"!
GREAT article !! so interesting, with so many facts !! a very enjoyable read !
Great article,Miriam! I’ve enjoyed reading it.
I love Miriam's writing style, the nitty-gritty facts cleverly expressed with humor and light hearted explanations. I knew a bit about masting, but now I know a lot more! Desert Trumpet readers can read a lot more of Miriam's great writing about desert-wise landscaping and gardening at the Morongo Basin Conservation Association website, on the Landscaping How To's page. (sorry, can't seem to put the link here). You'll enjoy it and learn a lot!
Hi Laraine, I've discovered the way linking works in comments is just copy and paste the link! It doesn't show as linked as you type but it goes live once you post your comment. For instance https://www.mbconservation.org/landscaping_how_to_s
A sentence in red came up saying "something has gone wrong" so I thought it was the link (I had typed it just like that).
Ah…could have been a network glitch. It happens!
Fascinating and gorgeously written! I was unaware of the masting phenomenon, and both theories on its purpose sound plausible. I was also unaware that rodents were the primary dispersers of seeds. Hopefully, they’ll be so busy with it this masting year that they won’t have time to chew our cars’ wiring! Also interesting to think about all the genetic potential contained within a seed. Since Joshua Trees grow so slowly, I imagine it will be ages before their evolution—when it occurs—is observable? Thank you for this delightful and informative read!
Great information clearly and delightfully presented. Bravo. Though honestly I was a bit disappointed to discover that the masting topic would not touch on seafaring information.
Why I have chosen to eventually become part of the real world by being cremated and scattered upon my 5 acres out here in Desert Heights.