Baby Boojums

Don't get too close.

This tree is a killer.

Seriously.

It's just a baby, and it's dormant at the moment.

But don't be fooled.

In the midst of the word he was trying to say, In the midst of his laughter and glee, He had softly and suddenly vanished away-- For the Snark was a Boojum, you see.

Lewis Carroll knew something about Boojums.

Or did he?

Actually, the common name was given to this tree by Godfrey Sykes
of the Desert Botanical Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona.

He named it after a monster called a Boojum the the poem The Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carrol.

I'm not convinced of the homocidal accusations aimed that this seemingly harmless tree. He has lived with us for a couple of months, and we are all still here.

But, I do put him out at night.

Coyotes, javelinas, and mountain lions avoid Boojums.

His posh, Latin name is Fouquieria columnaris and he is a member of the
Ocotillo family. (Very nice indeed).

These trees are amazing.

They are Sarcocaulescent. I love that word. It means that their stems are succulent (holding lots of water).

They grow up to 55 feet (about 18m) and live for a very long time.

They look like an enormous candle, with a few flowers at the top.

Fab!

But oh, beamish nephew, beware of the day
If your Snark be a Boojum! For then
You will softly and suddenly vanish away,
And never be met with again!

But if ever I meet with a Boojum, that day,
In a moment (of this I am sure),
I shall softly and suddenly vanish away--
And the notion I cannot endure!

I hope that my baby boojums is just dormant and will come back
to life after the summer.

Make sure you check you shoes for scorpions,
before you put them on.

Much love,

Myrtle x