Research
Desert Refuge: A New Way To Help Monarch Butterflies
In July, the decline of the migratory monarch butterfly was once again in the spotlight. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classified migratory monarchs as endangered, naming habitat loss and climate change as major factors for their decline. In the...
The Genes Gambit
The plants at Desert Botanical Garden typically bask in balmy weather, but parts of them are endlessly chilling out in Antarctic temperatures. That’s because Garden researchers are collecting genomic samples of plants for preservation efforts as part of a global...
Cactus and Their Genes
Cactus and their genes — Desert Botanical Garden hosts international symposium to understand and conserve iconic plant family Earlier this month, the Garden hosted a first-of-its-kind international symposium focused on “CACTACEAE: PHYLOGENETICS, EVOLUTION AND...
Yellow Hornworm Caterpillars Invade Phoenix
Many living in Phoenix will have noticed large green or yellow caterpillars in their yards, green spaces or along roads a few weeks ago.
The Golden Barrel Cactus | So Common, Yet Endangered
Golden Barrel Cactus The golden barrel cactus is a mainstay of desert landscapes and is one of the most popular cactus species in the world. Although easily grown in nurseries to meet this demand, the golden barrel is still facing an uphill battle for survival in the...
Is Saguaro Cactus Fruit Edible?
Photo by Michael Searcy Ripening in the hottest, driest time of the year, saguaro fruit provide important moisture and nutrition to animals and insects in the Sonoran Desert before the summer monsoon rains. With each saguaro able to produce an average of 150 fruit,...
