Fouquieria columnaris | Fouquieriaceae | boojum tree
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Finally, the conservatory possesses a boojum, (Fouquieria columnaris), a species that is considered the strangest tree on earth. Although young specimens produce normal growth, mature trees develop long trunks that reach up to 70 feet tall and resemble an upside-down carrot. Other mature trees may develop unusual arches and twists, appearing to grow backwards or sideways. Ultimately, the oldest specimens will form many curling arms that resemble the limbs of an octopus.
A “boojum” is also a fictional creature from the author of Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll’s famous nonsense poem “The Hunting of the Snark.” Because of its otherworldly appearance, the boojum tree was believed to have been a mystical creature by the first western botanists to visit its native habitat in Baja California.
“Ho, ho, a boojum, definitely a boojum!” Godfrey Sykes of the Tucson Desert Laboratory was said to have remarked upon first seeing the tree, and the name stuck, forever connecting the species with Lewis Carrol’s indescribable creature (1).
However, in addition to the sparse distribution and long lifespan, the boojum is very slow growing, creating great horticultural value among collectors. At the same time, the species is protected, and wild specimens are prohibited from collection. As a result, boojum trees are very expensive in cultivation, with specimens costing up to $1000 per square foot.
Boojum can be found within the Biosphere 2 desert ecosystem, and the University of Arizona has several specimens on campus - including one within the Krutch Garden, and an impressive specimen between Forbes and Herring Hall. The boojum in front of Herring Hall is one of the University of Arizona’s famous trees, and is named “Bob’s Boojum” in dedication to Dr. Robert R. “Boojum Bob” Humphrey, a desert ecologist who authored the foremost novel on the species (2).
Because of the species’ rarity, the University of Arizona has historically had issues with collectors attempting to remove saplings from the Arboretum Grounds. However, the University is keen to protect its rare and unusual taxa for educational, scientific and aesthetic value.
A “boojum” is also a fictional creature from the author of Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll’s famous nonsense poem “The Hunting of the Snark.” Because of its otherworldly appearance, the boojum tree was believed to have been a mystical creature by the first western botanists to visit its native habitat in Baja California.
“Ho, ho, a boojum, definitely a boojum!” Godfrey Sykes of the Tucson Desert Laboratory was said to have remarked upon first seeing the tree, and the name stuck, forever connecting the species with Lewis Carrol’s indescribable creature (1).
However, in addition to the sparse distribution and long lifespan, the boojum is very slow growing, creating great horticultural value among collectors. At the same time, the species is protected, and wild specimens are prohibited from collection. As a result, boojum trees are very expensive in cultivation, with specimens costing up to $1000 per square foot.
Boojum can be found within the Biosphere 2 desert ecosystem, and the University of Arizona has several specimens on campus - including one within the Krutch Garden, and an impressive specimen between Forbes and Herring Hall. The boojum in front of Herring Hall is one of the University of Arizona’s famous trees, and is named “Bob’s Boojum” in dedication to Dr. Robert R. “Boojum Bob” Humphrey, a desert ecologist who authored the foremost novel on the species (2).
Because of the species’ rarity, the University of Arizona has historically had issues with collectors attempting to remove saplings from the Arboretum Grounds. However, the University is keen to protect its rare and unusual taxa for educational, scientific and aesthetic value.
You can learn more about Fouquieria columnaris by visiting the Plant Science Club and Arboretum webpages!
This specimen ends the Mark Dimmitt Desert Plant Conservatory virtual tour. Please sign up to the Arboretum Newsletter to receive updates on the availability of in-person tours, as our collection possesses over 100 unique species that can only be seen in-person!
