Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia)

This Joshua tree is in bloom with its wonderful cream colored flowers.

The name Joshua tree was given by a group of Mormon settlers who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century. The tree's unique shape reminded them of a Biblical story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky in prayer. Ranchers and miners who were contemporary with the Mormon immigrants used the trunks and branches as fencing and for fuel for ore-processing steam engines. It is also called izote de desierto (Spanish, "desert dagger").

This particular tree may have been damaged from recent strong winds, whichis surprising because of its extensive root system, or perhaps was infected at the roots.  Half of it (right side) has cracked from the base of the trunk and fallen away.  You might be able to see a portion of it at the bottom of the photo.

A note on the weather...as you can probably tell it has been an overcast day.  There is also a decent breeze. (Thank goodness!)  Clouds and wind help to moderate the temperature.  The weathermen told us yesterday was going to be warm.  Their idea of warm was 99°/37°.  Today they characterized the forecast as hot - it hit 100°/38°. It boggles my mind to think that it is considered simply warm just one degree lower!