November 10, 2002
Agua Fria - Nov 2002
Posted by Evo Terra at November 10, 2002 10:06 PM | TrackBack (0)
Our latest trip in the field was really more to check on the condition of the native plants rather than to do a full "walk and talk." It was a bone-dry summer, but some early fall rains just north of Phoenix most likely invoked a response in the plants of the area. So we headed to the Agua Fria National Monument to see what we could see.
Surprisingly enough, it was as green as I've seen in recent years. Walking down Badger Springs Wash, it was hard to believe this was the same area I had walked just two short months ago, seeking some images of Xanthium strumarium for a lecture I was preparing. What was hard to find then was in abundance this time around!
The Xanthium were everywhere! Big, full leaves with plump fruits. Encountering the fruits in this stage is much better than when they are ripe and ready for medicine, as they don't stick all over you know! Xanthium seed pods (when ripe, unlike these) are great allies for urinary tract infections and sinus headaches accompanied by thick mucous discharge. You know... I've been having headaches, so maybe I should try this? But no discharge as indicated, but I've drank the tea and it's pretty tasty, so I might as well give it a shot!
And while I didn't expect to see too much in bloom, I was pleasantly surprised to find several Ratany bushes sporting a few purple blooms here and there. You'll have to accept my apologies on the picture. Krameria greyii isn't the most photogenic of species. This botanical has a long history of use among the native Sonoran desert peoples. Called "the herb of longevity", it was prized by the elders and credited to their vitality in old age. Mimi Kamp tells us of many other indigenous uses, such as a female reproductive tonic, a remedy for mouth and stomach cancers, and even a preventative for premature baldness.
It looks like the Agua Fria will be a great place next spring to gather your Stork's bill! The trail leading in was literally covered in areas with this small fern-like plant. Erodium cicutarium, while possessing some weak anti-inflammatory effects, is often passed over when looking at medicinal plants. But while the plant may lack strength in and of itself, it's key benefits can be experience on the level of energetics. Mimi Kamp tells us the flower essence is of primary importance to "deliver the energetics" and focus the effects of other plants deeply to the individual.
Any idea what this is? It was tough to discern today, but I finally tracked it down to Russian Thistle-- otherwise known as Tumbleweed. These plants are very young and are quite beautiful at this stage. This thistle is not a true thistle (it's in the Goosefoot family) and is an alien invader from (you guessed it) Russia. It was accidentally introduced to South Dakota in the 1870s with a shipment of flax seed. It didn't take long for this rolling plant to become synonymous with the entire west!
The pretty flower is Viguiera deltoidea, or Parish Viguiera. The other beauty is my lovely wife and true photographer. I'm the digital guy, she works in real film. The plant? No medicinal value to speak of, but the bees and butterflies sure love it!
Posted by Evo Terra at November 10, 2002 10:06 PM | TrackBack (0)
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