A visit to an Oasis above the Old Pubelo, pt. 2

[Silas_Sancona]

Continuing on from part 1, some additional highlights from the visit to Tohono Chul park.

Among the many areas to explore in the gardens, is one of the park's more notable collections. While not something one might think of as "tropicalesque" the Penstemon collection is one of those unique areas of interest the garden is known for. While a staple in many xeric and desert-theamed landscapes here, Penstemon are one of those native plants that anyone form anywhere can appreciate. Among the species growing in the display, there were two I considered the most mention worthy. One is one of the nicest of the California species, the other, an interesting native from Mexico. 

Palmer's Penstemon. This somewhat exotic looking plant hails from some of California's harshest places. Aside from the  showy flowers, it is also quite fragrant. Nice to see this sometimes temperamental beauty enjoying a somewhat different climate

Mexican Blue Penstemon ( P. amphorelle). Unique native from Coahuila Mexico. Like the grass like foliage, and sky blue flowers

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 Among the more common palms around the park, Brahea were everywhere. The first picture is an impressive specimen located near some demo gardens and the park's learning center. 

Nice, smaller specimen tucked away in a courtyard

 

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One last Brahea.. at least is my thought. Had a somewhat Sabal look from first glance. Closers inspection reveals finate teeth along the bluish colored leafstalks. Full of inflos as you can see. Red flowers in the picture are Justice californica.

 

Other odds n ends...

Baja Ruellia, a staple in desert landscapes here.. tough as nails. Not aggressive like a commonly encountered Ruellia.

 

[Silas_Sancona]

Bloodspot Mangave.. such a cool plant, no matter what the landscape application

Red flowering form of Hibiscus cardiophylla from Texas

Dutchman's Pipe/ Pipevine Vine species. Thinking of  subtropical South American origin.. just can't remember the species atm.

 

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Another respected part of the park is the Heritage Garden, showcasing various subtropical Fruits introduced  to the Southwest by Spanish Missionaries

Guava and Pomegranate  ( left side)

Quince

Opuntia species. Flowers near the garden

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.. and yes, some unexpected surprises. While the park sits within an interesting thermal belt, thus opening up opportunities to experiment a bit more than downhill closer to the River, there were a couple things I came across which were totally unexpected. While small and likely recently planted out, It will be interesting to see how these specimens progress.. even if it is more likely these favorable spots are still too cold. One is pictured. The other, a small Colvillea racemosa I chose not to post simply because there wasn't much to look at. It was just starting to leaf out and looks like a stick in picture.. I'll get something worth looking at after summer. There was also a leafy Bauhinia galpinii, and unknown Cassia/Senna species in this area. Both looked good, but not yet picture worthy.

Tabebuia caraiba/ argentea.. I had to look really closely, and  carefully since seeing the leaves from a distance left me scratching my head. Could it be?.. here?? sure enough the tag confirmed what I was seeing. We'll see how well either of the two specimens i saw end up. Intreauging none the less since I'd have expected to stuble upon this one here in Phoenix, not in Tucson.. 

Yes, those are Amaryllis, in the Desert.. and a noid Sabal species w/ seed inflos in the background.

Not totally unexpected (  should be adequately cold tolerant for the area)  but a nice surprise. Arroyo Sweetwood  ( Myrospermun sousanum) Flowers smell exactly like warm Cinnamon and Vanilla

[Silas_Sancona]

 Some closing shots..

A view up into some of the Sky Islands to the east. The top of Mt. Lemmon is back there somewhere.

Desert Spiny Lizard,  Sceloporus magister.  Male and Female. These guys hang out all over and are relatively approachable. you can get them to feed from your hand or " come to dinner on the patio" if they frequent your yard here. These and the Greater Earless Lizard are among some of the most colorful Lizards you'll come across in the Desert. 

Reflection,

Enjoy,

-Nathan