There is a varity of plants that help make up the Mojave Desert. All of the plants had to adapted to the harsh weather conditions. If you were to walk through the Mojave Desert tomorrow you would see plants like the Joshua Tree. These plants play a vital role in the Mojave.

These are other examples of plant life typically found within the Mojave Desert:

Beaver Tail Cactus- The young pads and fruits are still used as a food source. Pads are gathered in the spring when most tender, and boiled for 20 minutes. The outer skin with all the spines are removed. Pads are cut into strips and stored in water. Fruits are used to make jam.

Brittlebush- Early catholic priests burned the dry leaves for incense. Native Americans chewed the gum exuded from the stems and heated the gum to smear on their bodies to relieve pain.

Creosote Bush- Over 13 different kinds of insects make this bush their home, including several species of grasshoppers and crickets that live only on this plant. Native Americans used this plant to treat ailments from rheumatism to wounds and burns. Atea was made from this leaf to cure colds and infections. Lac, the resinous encrustation on the branches, was used by Native Americans to mend pottery and attach arrow points to shafts.

Mesquite- Native Americans use the seed pods as an important food source. The seeds were ground into flour and made into gruel and bread. The trunk was used to make mortars and furniture. The sap was used as a snack, for glue, and as an ointment for wounds.

And these are just a few examples of the vast plant life threw out the Mojave desert.