IN LEE OF THE ROCKS

An observation worth the contention of contemplation is growth habits of plant comminities. A casual comparison is the tendancy for lush vegitation to flourish around bodies of water such as rivers, streams, and lakes. In the skull rock area of joshua tree national park, the Little San Bernardino Mountains hold secrets to its biome inhabitants survival.

Although still in its infancy, there exists a hypothesis the wind is a major factor in whether or not a desert plant will survive the first few crucial years. Proposed is the idea that such organisms would need several successive years of favorable conditions in order to become established enough to survive more harsh seasons which generally come in waves after ideal phases.

Notice how the steeper more rocky slopes dont have much vegitation, and what little, if any there is, seems to be somehow stuffed into a small space between boulders? The most practical way to stop wind is with an obstacle. See how much larger, greener, and vibrant the plants appear in the lee of a leering ledge? Whether or not it is as simple as a shelter or has a more complex role, evident is the embrace of the rocks.