Thriving only in a frost-free climate, this is among the largest and
most beautiful of desert evergreen trees. It is usually found along
sandy washes, mingling with mesquites and paloverdes. It is particularly
susceptible to mistletoe infestation, which has killed or weakened many
fine trees. Blossoming in May and June, the trees are sometimes laden
with lavender, wisteria-like flowers. The wood is extremely hard and
heavy, hence the tree is locally known as “ironwood,” or
_palo-de-hierro_, in Mexico. Indians ate the seeds and used the wood for
tool handles and arrow-points. Its long-burning qualities made it
especially desirable for fuel. As a result, many of the trees have been
cut, making it one of the species threatened with extinction.
_Olneya tesota_ Pea Family
[Illustration: TESOTA]