Bulletin of The Desert Program of The Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum and The University of

Volume 18, Number 1 April 2006 of the Rio Grande Region

Matthew B. Johnson approximately 40% of the total A. farnesiana, A. greggii, A. Program Manager and Curator number of legume species reported rigidula, A. schaffneri, Bauhinia Desert Legume Program for the state of Texas by Correll and lunarioides, Caesalpinia mexicana, The University of Arizona Johnston (1970). The largest genera Cercis canadensis, include Dalea (16 species), ebano, Leucaena retusa, Legumes are well represented Astragalus (13 species), (10 glandulosa, and Sophora in the flora of the southwestern United species), (10 species), and secundiflora. Many others have States. Herbaceous taxa are Senna (10 species). At least a dozen horticultural merit and are cultivated widespread, and woody taxa become non-native species of legumes have to some extent. Texas bluebonnet, abundant and often dominant become established in the Rio Grande Lupinus texensis, is the state elements of the vegetation in the Region. of Texas and is widely planted by the warmer, southern regions that receive This region includes many Texas Highway Department along summer rainfall. Legume diversity that are well-suited to low highways in the state. It is a popular reaches its highest level in the water-use landscapes in the wildflower with gardeners as well. Southwest in the of Southwest. Among the more widely Lupinus havardii also has central and southern Arizona, and grown native legume landscape considerable horticultural potential along the Rio Grande which forms the and from this region are (Davis et. al. 2002). southwest border of Texas. Thirteen Acacia berlandieri, A. constricta, counties border the Texas portion of the Rio Grande. Extending from the Gulf of at Boca Chica, to Anthony, a short distance north of El Paso, this region encompasses extensive areas of xeric communities including the and subtropical Tamaulipan thornscrub as well as . Other, less extensive plant communities include areas of / juniper/pinyon woodland in parts of the Edwards Plateau and mountains of the Big Bend Region, and coastal prairie and subtropical semi- evergreen forest in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. More than 150 species of legumes in 54 genera are reported to occur in counties bordering the Rio Grande in Texas. This is Tamaulipan Thornscrub, north of Lake Amistad, Texas. July 1990. (MBJ) 2 Aridus 18:1 2006

and widespread that grows 1-4 southern Texas. Typically growing 2- m tall, with fern-like foliage and 4 m tall, this plant has dark green fragrant, creamy colored flower foliage and spiny twigs. Cream heads. It is considered an excellent colored flower spikes are produced in honey plant. of Berlandier’s the spring. The plant is considered to acacia are toxic to livestock, affecting be a good source of honey (Vines the nervous system (Bailey 1978). 1960). Schott acacia, Acacia Other that are important for schottii, is a shrub less than 2 m tall, honey production include A. greggii, with small, viscid , spiny stems, A. farnesiana, and A. roemeriana and small, yellow flower heads. The (Vines 1960). Blackbrush acacia or species is primarily found in the chaparro prieto, Acacia rigidula, is Chihuahuan Desert of northern one of the most ubiquitous shrubs of Mexico, entering the United States the Tamaulipan thornscrub of

Lupinus havardii. (MBJ) Legumes in the Rio Grande Region are important for many other purposes. Honey , Prosopis glandulosa, is widely cut for fuelwood and is gaining popularity for wood flooring. Mesquite also has potential as a food crop for dry regions. A variety of legumes, especially Acacia and Prosopis are valuable forage plants for bees in honey production. Numerous species are browsed by livestock and serve as important browse plants for wildlife. Toxic compounds are reported to occur in plants of various Prosopis glandulosa. Southwest of Carrizo Springs, Texas. August 1990. (MBJ) genera including Astragalus, Chamaecrista, Erythrina, Mimosa, Psoralidium, Senna, Sesbania, Sophora, and Tephrosia, and some of these have caused livestock losses and poisoning in humans (Diggs et. al. 1999). Other species have been used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. Acacia is well-represented in the Rio Grande region of Texas with twelve taxa. Particularly in southern Texas, acacias are often dominant elements of the vegetation. Berlandier’s acacia or guajillo, Acacia berlandieri, is a common Acacia berlandieri (MBJ) Aridus 18:1 2006 3

only in a small area of the lower Big Bend Region of Texas. Trailing indigo bush, Dalea greggii, is a low, trailing plant with silvery green foliage and small purple in short . In , it grows on rocky slopes and has a sparse appearance. With adequate irrigation, it makes a dense groundcover and has become popular as a drought resistant landscape plant. Several species of Dalea including D. candida, D. emarginata, D. formosa, and D. lanata are considered excellent browse for livestock as well as being utilized by wildlife (Stubbendiek and Conrad Acacia roemeriana. Burro Mesa, Big Bend National Park, Texas. April 1996. (MBJ) 1989). Formerly placed in Dalea, the genus Psorothamnus has one representative in the area. Broom dalea, Psorothamnus scoparius, is a shrubby plant with numerous blue gray stems bearing glands containing aromatic oils. It is found in sandy soils of extreme western Texas, and adjacent southern and Chihuahua. Great lead or tepeguaje, Leucaena pulverulenta, can grow to 15 m tall and is found along the Rio Grande in extreme southern Texas where it is grown as a shade tree. The much smaller golden-ball lead tree, Leucaena retusa, is found Acacia schottii. Terlingua Creek, Texas. July 1990. (MBJ) northward in the Edwards Plateau and Big Bend Region. Named for its showy spring flower heads, this species is considered good browse for livestock (Vines 1960). White lead tree, Leucaena leucocephala, a native of tropical Mexico, has become naturalized in southern Texas. This fast growing tree is widely planted for agroforestry purposes and shade in tropical climates around the world where it often escapes to become a serious weed. Texas ebony or ébano, , is a distinctive tree of southern Texas. Commonly 5- Ebenopsis ebano. West of Boca Chica, Texas. July 1990. (MBJ) 4 Aridus 18:1 2006

12 m tall, with spiny, zig-zag twigs, flower heads are produced in the It is now widely naturalized in warm dense, dark green foliage, and cream warm months. dry regions around the world. colored flowers, it is highly regarded Two species of Texas honey mesquite, Prosopis as a landscape and wildlife plant. The are found in Texas. Texas palo verde, glandulosa var. glandulosa, and woody pods were formerly used as a Parkinsonia texana var. texana, is western honey mesquite, P. substitute for coffee (Vines 1960). typically shrubby, while Border palo glandulosa var. torreyana, which Ape’s earring or tenaza, Havardia verde or Tamaulipan palo verde, P. replaces Texas honey mesquite from pallens, is a Mexican species that is texana var. macra can develop into the Big Bend region westward, are also found in extreme southern Texas. a tree to 7 m tall. Mexican palo verde both loved and cursed. The trees Growing to 10 m tall, the stems are or retama, Parkinsonia aculeata, is provide valuable fuelwood and are armed with painfully sharp, paired often abundant in moist and especially popular for mesquite bar- spines. Masses of fragrant white disturbed areas. The original natural beque, the pods provide food for distribution of this species is obscure. livestock and wildlife, the trees are valued for honey production.

Sophora secundiflora. Val Verde County, Texas. October 1996. (MBJ)

Parkinsonia texana var. macra (MBJ) Flowering Sophora secundiflora . (MBJ) Aridus 18:1 2006 5

However, ranchers often consider it Astragalus nuttallianus var. nuttallianus to be a pest, as livestock spread the Acacia angustissima var. hirta Astragalus nuttallianus var. trichocarpus Acacia angustissima var. texensis Astragalus nuttallianus var. zapatensis seeds widely and mesquite can take Acacia berlandieri Astragalus pictiformis over rangeland in the absence of fire. Acacia constricta Astragalus reflexus Vast sums of money have been spent Acacia farnesiana Astragalus waterfallii to control mesquite in the Southwest. Acacia greggii var. greggii Astragalus wootonii var. wootonii Mescalbean or Texas Acacia greggii var. wrightii Baptisia bracteata var. laevicaulis Acacia neovernicosa Brongniartia minutifolia mountain laurel, Sophora Acacia rigidula Canavalia maritima secundiflora, is popular in Acacia roemeriana Centrosema virginiana landscaping as an evergreen shrub or Acacia schaffneri Cologania angustifolia small tree. Wisteria-like clusters of Acacia schottii Crotalaria incana purple flowers are produced in the Calliandra conferta Cotalaria pumila Calliandra humilis var. humilis Coursetia axilaris spring, with an aroma similar to grape Desmanthus cooleyi Dalea argyrea soda pop. All parts of this species are Desmanthus obtusus Dalea aurea poisonous. Livestock losses have Desmanthus velutinus Dalea candida var. oligophylla been reported from animals that Desmanthus virgatus Dalea emarginata browsed the foliage. The seeds are Ebenopsis ebano Dalea formosa Havardia pallens Dalea frutescens especially toxic and have caused *Leucaena leucocephala Dalea greggii human poisoning. Leucaena pulverulenta Dalea lachnostachya Leucaena retusa Dalea lanata var. lanata The following list, while not all- Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera Dalea lanata var. terminalis inclusive, provides an idea of the Mimosa asperata Dalea lasiathera Mimosa borealis Dalea nana var. nana legume diversity of the Rio Grande Mimosa dysocarpa Dalea neomexicana var. neomexicana Region of Texas. Mimosa emoryana Dalea neomexicana var. longipila Mimosa malacocarpa Dalea obovata Mimosa strigillosa Dalea pogonathera Bauhinia lunarioides Mimosa texana Dalea scandens var. paucifolia Caesalpinia caudata Mimosa turneri Dalea wrightii *Caesalpinia gilliesii Mimosa wherryana Desmodium grahamii Caesalpinia mexicana Neptunia pubescens var. pubescens Desmodium neomexicanum Cercis canadensis var. mexicana Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa Desmodium psilophyllum Chamaecrista calycioides Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana Erythrina herbacea Chamaecrista fasciculata Prosopis pubescens Eysenhardtia spinosa Chamaecrista flexuosa var. texana Prosopis reptans var. cinerascens Eysenhardtia texana Chamaecrista nictitans var. mensalis Schrankia latidens Galactia canescens Hoffmannseggia drepanocarpa Schrankia roemeriana Galactia texana Hoffmannseggia glauca Zapoteca media Galactia volubilis Hoffmannseggia oxycarpa Galactia wrightii Parkinsonia aculeata Papilionoideae Genistidium dumosum Parkinsonia texana var. macra *Aeschynomene indica Indigofera lindheimeriana Parkinsonia texana var. texana *Alhagi camelorum Indigofera miniata brachycarpa Amorpha fruticosa *Indigofera suffruticosa Pomaria jamesii Astragalus allochorus Lespedeza texana Pomaria melanosticta Astragalus amphioxys Lotus oroboides Senna bauhinioides Astragalus brazoensis Lupinus concinnus Senna durangensis Astragalus crassicarpus var. crassicarpus Lupinus havardii Senna lindheimeriana Astragalus emoryanus var. emoryanus Lupinus texensis *Senna pendula Astragalus emoryanus var. terlinguensis Macroptilium atropurpureum *Senna obtusifolia Astragalus giganteus *Medicago polymorpha *Senna occidentalis Astragalus leptocarpus *Medicago sativa Senna orcuttii Astragalus mollisumus var. bigelovii *Melilotus albus Senna pumilio Astragalus mollissimus var. earlei *Melilotus indicus Senna roemeriana Astragalus mollissimus var. marcidus Pediomelum cuspidatum Senna wislizenii Astragalus nuttallianus var. austrinus Pediomelum humile Astragalus nuttallianus var. macilentus Pediomelum rhombifolium 6 Aridus 18:1 2006

Peteria scoparia Southwest – United States and angustissimus Mexico. Desert Plants 4(1-4):1- Phaseolus filiformis Delep Personnel Phaselous grayanus 342. Correll, D.S. and M.C. Johnston. Phaseolus maculatus subsp. ritensis Mark Bierner, Ph.D. Psoralidium tenuiflorum 1970. Manual of the vascular Director Psorothamnus scoparius plants of Texas. Texas Research Robinia neomexicana Foundation. Matthew B. Johnson Rynchosia americana Botanical Specialist Rynchosia minima Davis, T.D., W.A. MacKay, and N. Sankhla. 2002. Distribution, Rynchosia senna var. texana Ken Coppola Sesbania drummondii biology, and potential horticultural Horticulturist Sesbania macrocarpa uses of Big Bend bluebonnet Sophora nuttalliana (Lupinus havardii Wats.) – a Margaret Norem, Ph.D. Sophora secundiflora Editor Aridus Sophora tomentosa showy winter annual from the Chihuahuan Desert. Aridus Tephrosia lindheimeri Bruce Klewer Tephrosia tenella 14(2):1-5, 8. Administrative Assistant Vicia ludoviciana subsp. ludoviciana Diggs, Jr., G.M., B.L. Lipscomb, and Vigna luteola R.J. O’Kennon. 1999. Shiners & Volunteer Coordinators Zornia bracteata Mahler’s Flora of North Central *=introduced taxa reported to have Texas. Botanical Research Institute Glenn Branham Pamela Honaker become established. of Texas and Austin College. References Irwin, H.S. and R.C. Barneby. 1982. Yuma Fields Bailey, E.M., Jr. 1978. Physiologic The American Cassiinae – a Dan Sims responses of livestock to toxic synoptical revision of Leguminosae, Greenhouses plants. Journal of Range Tribe Cassieae, subtribe Cassiinae Management 31(5):343-347. in the New World: Part 1. Advisory Board Barneby, R.C. 1964. Atlas of North Memoirs of the New York American Astragalus: Part I. the Botanical Garden 35:1-454. Rita Jo Anthony Phacoid and Homaloboid astragali. Irwin, H.S. and R.C. Barneby. 1982. Elizabeth Davison Memoirs of the New York The American Cassiinae – a Botanical Garden 13:1-596. synoptical revision of Leguminosae, David Ellis, Ph.D. Barneby, R.C. 1964. Atlas of North Tribe Cassieae, subtribe Cassiinae American Astragalus: Part II. the in the New World: Part 2. Stefanie Greene, Ph.D. Cercidothrix, Hypoglottis, Memoirs of the New York Leslie Gunatilaka, Ph. D. Piptoloboid, Trimeniaeus and Botanical Garden 35:455-918. Orophaca astragali. Memoirs of Isley, D. 1973. Leguminosae of the Ryan Huxtable, Ph.D. the New York Botanical Garden United States: I. Subfamily 13:597-1188. Mimosoideae. Memoirs of the Ken Morrow Barneby, R.C. 1977. Daleae New York Botanical Garden Suzanne Nelson, Ph.D. Imagines, and illustrated revision of 25(1):1-152. Errazurizia Philippi, Isley, D. 1975. Leguminosae of the Kathleen C. Rice Psorothamnus Rydberg, Marina United States: II. Subfamily Liebmann, and Dalea Lucanus Caesalpinioideae. Memoirs of the Ursula Schuch, Ph. D. emend. Barneby, including all New York Botanical Garden Barbara Timmerman, Ph.D. species of Leguminosae tribe 25(2):1-228 Amorpheae Borissova ever Isley, D. 1981. Leguminosae of the referred to Dalea. Memoirs of the United States: III. Subfamily New York Botanical Garden 17:1- Papilionoideae: Tribes Sophorae, 892. Podalyrieae, Lotae. Memoirs of Brown, D.E. (ed.). 1982. Biotic the New York Botanical Garden communities of the American 25(3):1-264. Powell, A.M. 1988. Trees and shrubs of Trans-Pecos Texas. Big Bend Natural History Association. Aridus 18:1 2006 7

Staff and Volunteers in Action

Volunteers Work Winter Dr. Norem and UA Plant At our December session, into Spring Science Professor Dr. Ursula Schuch volunteers had the opportunity to Winter volunteer sessions compiled growth phenology informa- meet new Boyce Thompson Arbore- have been well-attended, averaging tion for several species at that field tum and Desert Legume Program 23 participants each month. We’ve over the past few years. I am cur- Director Mark Bierner. This was a had a variety of work activities during rently working on the flower phenol- great chance for him to see one of the past few months, and a highlight of ogy study there and in DELEP’s other DELEP’s volunteer sessions “in ac- many sessions has been an informa- Tucson fields. While the group was in tion” and for him to share some of his tive and colorful slide presentation by the field I discussed the opportunity visions for DELEP and BTSA with Matt Johnson. for volunteers to help us care for our group. During November and In November, I invited the those plants, as well as inviting their December of 2005, we appreciated group to join me for a visit to our participation in creating a photo- extra volunteer help from Adrian, Tucson “tree evaluation” field. Nearly graphic record of these and other Leandra, Sandra and Chris Marshall. 200 specimens (2 or 3 plants, per local field specimens. George Girard Adrian and Chris helped me with species) have been successfully agreed to assist with that project, and specific field chores at our Campus grown at that location since 1998. we are beginning a new schedule for Ag Center location. Leandra and Many trees have become -pro- photography, during the spring Sandra offered assistance in seed ductive during the past few years. months. These photos will be avail- bank maintenance, with specific atten- Fifteen of us carpooled across town, able for archiving, for use on the tion to Astragalus collections. Bill and I explained some of that field’s DELEP website and in our publica- Kendall has joined Matt on a number history as well as specific information tions. They will also be uploaded on of plant inventorying trips in southeast about the species planted there. the photo database which volunteer Arizona this winter. Dan Sims and Dr. Norem have cre- ated.

Tree Logo Opportunities for Participation Here

DELEP’s bulletin Aridus, is published Financial support for DELEP comes Dedicated volunteer work is an integral three times annually to stimulate interest from contracts, grants and contribu- component of DELEP. Our volunteers in desert legumes, to inform our readers tions from private industries, govern- come from many backgrounds and work of DELEP’s activities, and to encourage ment agencies and individuals. on a variety of projects including wild support for DELEP’s programs. Manu- seed collecting, seed processing, organi- scripts related to legumes are welcome To Contribute: Send a check, pay- zation of special events, and office work. and should be mailed to the editor for able to U of A Foundation/ DELEP, or review. Subscriptions are complimen- call the DELEP Office concerning a tary and are available by contacting the pledge, a restricted gift, or estate plan- To Volunteer: Or just to explore the DELEP office. Aridus is published by ning. possibilities, telephone our office (520) 318- The University of Arizona on behalf of The Desert Legume Program 7047) or drop us a note or email: The Desert Legume Program. 2120 E. Allen Road [email protected]. Tucson, Arizona 85719 8 Aridus 18:1 2006

Five volunteers joined Matt in Upcoming Spring sessions are Yuma on December 5th, 6th and 7th. Wednesday April 12th and May Thanks to Gail Culver, Pam Honaker, 10th. Glen Branham, Terry Donovan, and Fall 2006 sessions are tentatively Jamie Wahl for assistance with seed scheduled for September 13, Octo- collections, plant and field care jobs. ber 11, November 8 and Decem- Glen Branham and Terry Donovan ber 13. spent a day helping me in those Yuma Please call us at (520) 318- fields, on March 14th , of this year. 7047 or send me an email Thanks to Wayne MacGowan, who ([email protected]) if you are has again attended to greenhouse and interested in learning more about vol- nursery care for us on weekends and unteering with DELEP. Even if you at other times, this winter. The are not in southern Arizona, there may DELEP Advisory board met on be ways that you can volunteer and March 3rd. We thank our board help DELEP to achieve its missions. members and “substitutes” Jennifer We will be happy to discuss this with Johnson and Dawn Edwards (who you, and thank you for considering attended in place of Kathy Rice) from this opportunity. Desert Botanical Garden, for their participation.

Flowering Acacia schottii. (MBJ)

The University of Arizona Desert Legume Program NON-PROFIT 2120 East Allen Road ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Tucson, Arizona, 85719 PERMIT NO. 190 U.S.A. TUCSON, ARIZONA

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