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Friday, July 18, 2014

Consequence of the Drought?

Straight shot along the west side of Tortugas
This year I've noticed a lot of Ocotillos with exposed roots.  I'm wondering if it's a result of our persistent drought.  I've read that as the water table recedes the earth begins to sink because of lack of moisture.  With sandy soil becoming ever more "powder-like" it seems to be increasingly susceptible to being swept away from plants by powerful winds.  This Ocotillo root exposure can be particularly disastrous as its root system is only six-inches deep--an evolutionary adaptation that allows the plant to collect rainwater quickly.
Two Devil's Heads are better than one

Much-needed respite

Reluctant to leave the shade
Exposed root of an Ocotillo


How Ocotillos are normally rooted to earth

1 comment:

Dr. K said...

Really interesting information about ocotillos, Packrat.

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