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Dan Hiroshi Renteria

@el___hiroshi

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Gardener II in the Asian Gardens-The Huntington Library
Garden gnome @hiros____

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Slide one: Photographing the lichen growing on this Fouquieria columnaris at the Claremont botanical garden.

Slide two: View of the lichen colonized on branches

Slide three: A Specimen that no longer stands.

F. columnaris is native to alluvial plains and rocky hillsides within the Sonoran Desert. It is found on the west coast of Baja California, occupying the southern Sierra de San Pedro Martir to the Volcan Las Tres Virgenes, and on Angel de la Guarda Island.

The peculiar distribution pattern of the mainland plants has led Mexican botanists to conclude that they were probably transplanted to the mainland by the indigenous Seri people, who lived in this area and still live on communal property. The Seri name for this plant is cototaj Seri pronunciation kototax. In the Seri belief, touching this plant will cause strong winds to blow.

Due to its unusual appearance, these plants are often considered to be the strangest trees on earth, and was aptly named for a mystical creation. Godfrey Sykes of Tucson’s Desert Laboratory dubbed F. columnaris the “boojum tree” in honor of the mystical “boojum” in Lewis Carroll’s poem, “The Hunting of the Snark”.

Boojum trees are protected in their natural habitat, and wild harvesting is forbidden by the Mexican government. Therefore, as a result of their popularity in cultivation and very slow growth, nursery-grown specimens can be very expensive – up to $1000 per square foot.

This desert ogre is one of my favorite plants I’ve ever seen and cultivated. I have tremendous respect for these plants, I almost venerate them like deities.

I once was tasked with chopping one down at a coveted musicians house. The 12 ft tall specimen had rotted and started to bow and collapse presumably from gophers that chewed on its roots. Its rotted core had the most putrid and abhorrent smell I’ve ever witnessed. I performed a quick and silent funeral. I worked carefully and skillfully sawing 2 ft sections , avoiding its spined branches. It was a shame to see such a plant succumb to cute little rodents and I hope I never have to cut another one down again.

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In 2012 I married @saoriwall and officially became part of her family who immigrated to the US from Mexico in the late 80’s. I am so honored, proud, and happy to be a part of this beautiful family, from Mexican and Japanese decent. I love learning their traditions, language, food, and more. Don’t even get me started on the food. OMG! I am grateful everyday to have another family, especially one from different cultures. I’ve thought about this every day since we met, but never put it into words. Thank you Renteria - Takata family for welcoming me and letting me be a part of your amazing family. ❤️ @guillermoerenteria67 @harumitakata @el___hiroshi @benshapirosux @saoriwall @clurbby

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Tierra y Mar

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Naranjo y Aguacate

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Abuelos

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Kiss the ones you #love everytime you have a chance.
#handmadevase
#poppies
#blushpoppies
💐 By @harumitakatadesign ✋ made ceramic vase by @hiroshitfaced
@haruyhiro

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My mom hung up some of my works and works from our family and friends as well. Stoked !

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