Living in Limestone
Limestone weathers reluctantly in dry climates, and leaves soils rough
and stony, with few deep pockets to hold water and nutrients. Certain
plants seem to like these dubious qualities. Look around for them as
you walk back down the trail.
Lechuguilla - 5- to 7-foot stalk - greenish-
yellow leaves - purple and yellow flowers -
typical of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Hechtia - 2- to 4-foot stalk - reddish-
tinged leaves - white flowers - grows
nowhere else in the United States except
in Big Bend country.
