A Lily in the Desert

Take a look at this beauty we found in the desert while walking our dogs. I am told that this is the Ajo Lily or the Desert Lily, usually found on the Sonoran Desert, but we found her at Pilot Knob in Winterhaven CA. Such a striking plant with low lying leaves, raw edged leaves. The bulbs are 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) below the desert surface and only flower in a good spring. It grows in sandy or pebbly flats. Fragrant flowers are pollinated by Hawkmoths. Tohono O'odham Indians eat the onion-flavored bulbs. Ajo means garlic in Spanish and the town of Ajo, the mountain range and valley are named after this flower. A good place to find them is Organ Pipe National Monument in southwestern Arizona which we have since visited. More about Organ Pipe in a later post.

Best Buds

Despite our concerns these two have become very good buddies. They have slept together in the same bed, walked together on the lead and they have been drinking from the same bowl. The only time there might be a growl occurs when Caper cannot see Cowboy, runs into him or steps on him accidentally. Then we will hear a warning "Grrrr" and the incident has passed. Where Caper barks at anyone who knocks at our door and does not know when to stop, Cowboy is inquisitive but quiet. So far all is well with these two and we are all happy campers.