Edible & Medicinal Plants of Arizona and the Southwest

Learn how food can be made from mesquite pods, prickly pear cactus fruits (even the cactus pads) on a walking tour where you’ll see towering stalks of native Agave chrysantha – a source of agave nectar. Ethno-Botany is the study of edible, medicinal and practical uses for desert plants that have fed, clothed and healed desert dwellers for 1,000 years and on Saturday April 14, David Morris guides a one-hour walk where you’ll learn about uses of more than a dozen native desert plants. Editor’s note: this tour explores the Arboretum’s Curandero Trail, which has steep sections that are not suitable for visitors who use wheelchairs or walkers. David’s guided tour is included with $12.50 adult daily admission – or free with your Az State Parks pass.