Baja California, Ethnobotany

1. Adam's Tree: Provided edible blossoms; used in drinks; seed pods were available for food; also used as fencing, firewood, and torches Leaves grow within two or three days of rain due to special packets of growing material within the bark capable of generating leaves when touched by water before water comes up from the roots.

2. Baja Nightshade: Native Americans used juice of berry for tattooing

Solanum means sleepy referring to narcotic properties of other members of genus

3. Baja Cardon: Rancheros use ribs in walls, roofs, fences and corrals. Local Indians consider fruit important food source. Birds and animals eat fruit and disseminate thousands of seeds within. Produces boot shaped calluses when injured. Insects and birds eat pollen rich nectar. Pollinated by small bats. Name means elephant, resembles elephant in that it is largest of all cacti. Sonora Mexico and Central Baja native. Fast growing (6+” per yr.). thick trunk up to four feet , branching close to base

4. Verbena lilacina: attracts butterflies