The Sonora desert lies mostly in Mexico, but reaches into southern California and Arizona as well. It sustains thousands of desert plants and trees designed by the Creator to withstand the harsh climate, including many strange ones which most of the time appear to be dead, but to which a rainstorm brings an immediate change.
One of these is the boogum, or cirio, tree. Its trunk looks like a huge pole reaching 25 feet or more in height and almost as big around at the top as at the bottom. Its stiff, thorny branches have leaves and flowers in the short, moist season, but otherwise it appears dead and bare. Large groups of these grow on rocky slopes of the desert where the only rainfall comes in the form of infrequent cloudbursts. The Creator has designed some of its roots to spread a great distance to greedily draw the moisture into its trunk and branches. Its other roots go down deep, also taking in as much moisture as possible.
In contrast to the boogum, and growing nearby, is another rather strange-looking tree. Because it has such a thick trunk and limbs, it has been called the elephant tree. In spite of its odd looks, this is one of the most beautiful trees of the desert when a good rainfall brings out its fresh leaves and pretty flowers.
Another is the ocotillo, or candlewood, a thorny bush with many bare branches reaching upward and also designed by the Creator to withstand the dry heat of the desert. This one, too, is leafless most of the year. But the magic of a rainstorm brings out its greenery along with many scarlet-colored flowers that almost look like bright flames shining at the top of its long stems.
Yet another is the jumping cholla, a large, cactus, tree-like bush and one that is to be carefully avoided. It should never be touched with bare hands as it is totally covered with needle-sharp stickers that are most painful to remove from wounded flesh. Its flowers are a creamy white.
The Bible verse at the beginning of this article looks on to a future time, known as the millennium following God’s judgment against those who have refused His love and bringing His blessing to those who have been faithful to Him.
In Song of Solomon 2:12-1312The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; 13The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. (Song of Solomon 2:12‑13), there are expressions that cheer the heart of all who today love the Lord and which are brought to mind by the blossoms of the desert plants we have just considered. Here is what it says: “The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come.... Arise, My love, My fair one, and come away.” For all who know the Lord as their Saviour, this reminds us of a wonderful promise of a soon-coming time when He will call us home to the glory of heaven. Will you be part of that happy company?
ML-01/17/1988