Ironwood Tree, Olneya tesota

Olneya tesota, Bean Family Or Pea Family ( Leguminosae ) ( Fabaceae ), Ironwood Tree. Also called Arizona Ironwood, Palo-de-Hierro and Palo-de-Fierro.

The ironwood is known as a "nurse plant". It provides a safe place for seed germination, and protects the seedlings. Over 230 plant species have been recorded growing under the ironwoods canopy.

Images And Text Copyright George & Audrey DeLange.