Joshua Tree Photos and Art

It is Saturday, and time for another botanical art appreciation post. In the spotlight is the ever intriguing Joshua tree. It is hard to say what is more captivating; the quirky 'outstretched arms' of the Joshua tree, or the severe yet beautiful Mohave desert surroundings. You be the judge.

Joshua Tree in Joshua Tree by Mobius Images

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19161361

Joshua Trees in The Desert Original Oil Painting by Irene Livermore Gallery

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21361296

The Path... - 8x8... Fine Art Print by KimberlyRose Photography http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17329809

Joshua Tree (number 2) 10x8 by An Englishman in Palm Springs http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14975674

Hello Joshua - ACEO - Limited Print by Red Horse Studios http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21361531

Desert Plant I.D.

Provided Information:

1. Photos:

2. Date: January
3. Location: Kingman, Arizona
4. Plant type: Evergreen shrub or tree, desert plant
5. Environment: Commercial landscape
6. Exposure: Full sun
7. Scent: none
8. Other: Also seen growing in the open landscape of the surrounding desert

Identification:

1. Name: Yucca brevifolia (Joshua tree, tree yucca, yucca palm)
2. Family: Liliaceae (formerly part of the Agavaceae family)
3. Origin: Mojave Desert, Southwestern United States
4. Random facts: The Joshua tree has a form of symbiotic relationship with the pronuba moth. This moth is the only successful pollinator for the Joshua tree, and even has specialized apparatus to accomplish the task. In return, the moth gains specific benefit from the Joshua tree by laying eggs within the ovaries of the yucca flowers, allowing their young to feed on some of the resulting seeds. The Joshua tree got its name in the early 1800s from Mormons who thought the branches of the tree resembled Joshua, from the Bible, with his arms outstretched to the heavens and leading the way to the promised land.