A family of desert trees known as "Palo Verde" (which in Spanish means green stick or pole) includes the Blue Palo Verde shown above and the Yellow or Little Leaf Palo Verde, both considered the Arizona state Tree. In spring the Palo Verde breaks forth with profuse yellow blossoms characteristic of the pea family, painting the desert washes and hillsides with the glow that attracts birds and bees to the feast. The seed pods that follow provide food for many desert birds and animals. Indians also used these beans by grinding them into flower meal. During the dry season the tree drops all leaves to conserve moisture and photosynthesis takes place in the green bark on the limbs and trunk. This unique characteristic of the Palo Verde is what gave rise to the Spanish name. The soft wood of this tree is attacked by larvae of the Palo Verde Beetle which causes branches to die, sometimes killing the whole tree. Mistletoe infestations can also interrupt the growth and life of the Palo Verde. Signs of this life and death struggle can be seen in the photo below of this piece called "Cercidium".
Technical Information
Size: 25"
high, 18" at largest diameter
Weight: 20
lb..
Material: Sections
of Palo Verde laminated over fiberglass shell. Larger sections of limb used in top portion
Source: Collected from Tucson, Arizona area
Finish: Worm holes cleaned and filled with
resin, Danish oil rubbed into wood, all surfaces finished
with paste wax
More detail can be found on my art at my website <www.apatchablue.com>
More detail can be found on my art at my website <www.apatchablue.com>
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