Plant Physiology students from Cal State University, Los Angeles have been in our Puma Canyon Reserve taking leaf samples of yuccas and Joshua trees as part of a study under the direction of Christine Scoffoni, Assistant Professor of Plant Biology.

“Different microclimates can have a significant impact on the physiology of succulents that inhabit arid environments such as the Mojave Desert (California, USA). We investigated plasticity in physiology, morphology and anatomy of two dominant Mojave Desert monocots, Yucca brevifolia (Joshua tree) and Hesperoyucca whipplei growing along a soil water availability gradient.”

PLEASE RSVP (760) 868-1400 as this event is limited to the first 20 participants.

From the intersection of Hwy 138 and Phelan road in Pinon Hills, continue south on Phelan Road (which turns into Green Road). Continue about a mile to Desert View Road. Turn left, go up the hill and veer left onto Hillview Road. Go to the end of the road and turn left into the parking area below the two-story house (1681 Hillview road)