In the heart of the dry forests of the Gaan Libah plateau in northern Somalia, a botanical jewel exists in a delicate balance between survival and extinction—the Gaan Libah Aloe (Aloe jucunda).  This petite, clumping succulent is known for more than just its attractive dark green leaves and bright speckles; it tells a story of resilience in the face of habitat destruction and the urgent need for conservation.  The Gaan Libah Aloe: A Visual Delight Aloe jucunda, commonly known as Gaan Libah Aloe, is a species that stands out even in the rich tapestry of aloe diversity. Its compact for ..read more

As part of our mission to educate and inspire a love for unique flora, we invite you to explore Ceiba insignis, commonly known as the white floss-silk tree. Despite its exotic origin, this striking tree has found a desert home right here in Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Ceiba insignis, or the white floss-silk tree, hails from the Amazon Basin in South America. It’s a close relative of the renowned kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra). Standing tall at up to 70 feet, this tree is a true globetrotter, showcasing nature’s knack for adaptation.  Eight young specimens of these magnificent trees can be fo ..read more

JUMP TO SCAVENGER HUNT Native plants are like the superheroes of the plant world, and they play a crucial role in making our home an even better place to live. Let’s dive right into why planting native plants is a must in our desert oasis. Support for Wildlife Native plants are like a gourmet buffet for our local wildlife. When you plant native plants, you’re basically saying, “Hey, animals, come feast here!” Native plants provide food and shelter for all sorts of critters, from birds and butterflies to bees and lizards. Water-Saving Warriors Water is precious here in our desert. Native plants ..read more

Here at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, part of our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife and ecosystems through research. In support of our mission, we frequently host individuals who conduct important research onsite. Today, we are fortunate to present to you one of these committed researchers, Annie Weaver-Bryant. Annie is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Environmental Life Sciences with a focus on Botany at Arizona State University. Her studies have led her to conduct innovative research here at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Join us in this exclusive Q&A ..read more

Located among the terrain of the American Southwest, there’s a resilient survivor known as Larrea tridentata, or more commonly, creosote. This remarkable plant has adapted to its harsh environment in fascinating ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore the incredible adaptations and curious facts that make creosote a true desert enigma. 1. Toxicity as a Survival Strategy One of creosote’s most intriguing adaptations is its toxicity. While it’s occasionally nibbled on by certain insects, this tough shrub repels most potential herbivores. Birds, reptiles, and mammals generally steer clear of it. O ..read more

Wildflowers provide food for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. They are important for pollinating other plants and crops in your garden, including native plants, vegetables, and fruits.  Creating a low-maintenance wildflower garden not only benefits the environment but also saves you time and effort. Follow these simple steps to help you achieve a thriving and hassle-free wildflower garden. Step 1: Plan the Time of Planting When it comes to gardening, there is nothing more crucial than the timing of planting. The timing of planting your seeds can significantly impact ..read more

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered why you can’t see as many stars as you’d like? Well, the answer might be hiding in plain sight—it’s called “light pollution.” In this blog post, we’ll explore what light pollution is, why it matters, and what we can do to help. What is Light Pollution? Imagine you’re trying to watch your favorite movie, but someone turns on a bright light in the room—it’s hard to see the screen, right? That’s a bit like what happens to our night sky because of light pollution. Light pollution is the brightening of the night sky by artificial lights from bui ..read more

Here at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, part of our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife and ecosystems through research. In support of our mission, we frequently host individuals who conduct important research onsite.  Today, we have the privilege of introducing you to one of these dedicated researchers. Jake Lee is pursuing a Master’s degree in Biology at Northern Arizona University.  Under the guidance of Professor Dr. Erika Nowak, Jake is researching venomous reptiles at the arboretum as part of his academic pursuits. In this exclusive Q&A s ..read more

Why do Desert Animals Burrow? In Arizona, the summer heat makes it too hot to be outside during the day. Just like you go inside where there is air conditioning to stay cool, some desert animals go to a place to stay cool. They go underground.  The temperature underground is about 20 degrees cooler than the temperature above ground. That’s a big difference! No wonder the animals prefer to be underground during the hot Arizona days. ACTIVITY Materials Needed: Sand Something to draw with Step 1: Uncover an outdoor sandbox or a small box of sand and expose it to the sun. Step 2: Once the t ..read more

Eucalyptus trees have captured the hearts of botanists, environmentalists, and everyday admirers alike. With their unique features, extraordinary adaptability, and aromatic allure, these majestic giants have become iconic symbols of the Australian landscape. The Australian Exhibit is the largest exhibit in Boyce Thompson Arboretum. It stretches over approximately 10 acres of sprawling woodland and encompasses 1,280 plantings, many of which date from the mid-1920s.  The exhibit includes the largest and most diverse stand of eucalyptus trees in North America. Our eucalyptus collection holds ..read more