Genus: Yucca
Species: brevifolia

The Joshua Tree got its name from the Mormon pioneers who thought the tree reminded them of Joshua, from the old testament of the Bible, a prophet who was waving them on to the Promised Land. The Joshua Tree grows only in the Mojave Desert. It`s height varies from 15 to 40 feet and has a diameter of 1 to 3 feet. The Joshua tree has a lifespan of about 200 years and is a member of the lily family. The growing habitat of the Joshua Tree is similar to one of the palm trees.

Description :

The Joshua Tree grows in arid deserts; they often grow in groups called groves. The Joshua Tree can be found in the Mojave Desert with elevations from 2,000 to 6,000 feet.

The Joshua Tree bears 1.25 to 1.5 inch flowers that are a creamy yellow and green. The flower is bell shaped, and has many 12 to 18 inch clusters on each branch. There is a very unpleasant odor that goes along with the flower. Some Joshua Trees do not flower annually. The fruit of the Joshua Tree is green and brown, and is 2.5 to 2 inches long. Soon after the Joshua Tree Tree`s fruit matures in late spring, it will fry and fall off the branches. When the fruit falls it lets off many flat seed. The Joshua Tree is only pollinated by the Pronuda Moth. The moth is commonly called the Yucca Moth. The moth evolved special organs so that it is possible for the moth to pollinate the Joshua flower. The larvae of the Yucca Moth feed on the seeds of the Yucca. The Joshua Tree could not reproduce without the moth`s pollination and likewise the moth is equally dependent on the tree.

Use :

Both people and animals have relied on the Joshua Tree for survival. The Indians would remove the rope-like centers from the limbs to use as canisters for nuts and berries. They also used the lightweight bark for dishes and bowls. As far back as 1883 the pulp of the Joshua Tree was used to make paper for the London Daily Telegraph. During WWI, the U.S. government used the strong wood as splints for injured soldiers. The pioneers used the Joshua Tree as fence posts, and roasted parts of the tree and gave it to children for a sugary treat.