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Desert bounty - The Crucifixion Thorn Natural Area
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On open land east of the Chocolate Mountains and southwest of the Yuha Desert contains the largest community of castela emoryi, better known as crucifixion thorn, in the state of California. Designated as the Crucifixion Thorn Natural Area, these are magnificent specimens growing to a height of 10 to 19 feet. The most distinctive feature about the plant is the 4-inch thorns protruding from every branch on its spindly trunk.
It’s these thorns that connect the plant to the crown of thorns placed on Christ’s head prior to the crucifixion. Centuries ago, priests would use the thorn as an object lesson to Indian converts. In truth, the plants are unrelated, but the idea is the same. These thorns are as sharp as needles and when they come in contact with skin there is intense pain.
The Bureau of Land Management has the area fenced off, but gaps provide tempting access. Be careful for the thorns that cover that ground and a hand placed carelessly can produce painful results.
Crucifixion thorn is found widely in Arizona, the Sonoran Desert and the southern area of the Mojave Dese.jpg)
rt. It’s a plant that grows sporadically and nowhere does it grown abundantly making the Crucifixion Thorn Natural Area all the more unique. In many areas, the plant grows from three to six feet. One reason the plant grows so large here is that it is in a frost-free zone.
rt. It’s a plant that grows sporadically and nowhere does it grown abundantly making the Crucifixion Thorn Natural Area all the more unique. In many areas, the plant grows from three to six feet. One reason the plant grows so large here is that it is in a frost-free zone.Between April and May the plant blossoms and produces a nut-like fruit that can remain on the plant from 5 to 7 years. Donkey and goats eat this fruit and it is suspected that they actually enhance germination by spreading seedlings. Fencing the area off completely may hinder this germination process. The area is fenced to protect against damage caused by off-highway vehicles.
The Crucifixion Thorn Natural Area is located in Imperial Valley off Highway 98. From Interstate 8, take the Ocotillo exit, and proceed south to the stop sign at the intersection of Highway S2 and Highway 98. Turn left (east) on Highway 98. After approximately eight miles, turn right on Coyote 2.
For more info:
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/crucifixionthorn.html
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/crucifixionthorn.html
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