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SMOKE TREE

SMOKE TREE (Dalea spinosa)

Smoke tree is a characteristic inhabitant of the Sonoran Desert. It can grow to as high as 6 metres and is found typically along sandy or gravelly washes. This tree typically has a branched, crooked trunk and the terminal branches consist of a mass of spiny, much-branched, grey-green twigs. Leaves appear for only a short time before they are shed, and for most of the year the plant photosynthesizes through its stems. From a distance, the grey, diffuse appearance of the plant resembles a plume of smoke.


Typical appearance of a mature smoke tree


Mass of young, grey-green photosynthetic twigs

Smoke tree is a member of the nitrogen-fixing legume family, with dark purple flowers.

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