Research and Conservation in Southern Sonora, Mexico

Sonoran Coastal Thornscrub Gallery


Coastal thornscrub near Camahuiroa, Sonora. Characteristic plants include organ pipe cactus/pitahaya (Stenocereus thurberi), tree ocotillo (Fouquieria macdougalii), and ashy limberbush/sangrengado (Jatropha cinerea), and wolfberry ( Lycium sp.). Photos: T.R. Van Devender

This amazingly dense pitahayal of organ pipe cacti (Stenocereus thurberi) occurs only in a local area near Las Bocas, Sonora. The Mayo Indians harvest large quantities of the delicious fruit in summer. The habitat is threatened by agricultural development. Photos: Mark Dimmitt
Coastal thornscrub at Tierra y Libertad near Navojoa, Sonora. Photo: T.R. Van Devender	Coastal thornscrub at Playa del Sol near Guaymas, Sonora. Plants include biznaga (Ferocactus emoryi), elephant tree (Bursera microphylla),Melochia tomentosa (lavender flowers), and organ pipe cactus. Photo: Mark Dimmitt