Welcome to the Desert Legume Program (DELEP) Discover the mission of DELEP, a program committed to preserving legume biodiversity from arid and semi-arid regions around the globe. Exciting Update: The Desert Legume Program is now proudly administered by Boyce Thompson Arboretum! This program, previously a partnership between the University of Arizona and BTA, made a significant transition in summer 2024 when its invaluable seedbank, the heart of DELEP, relocated to Boyce Thompson Arboretum. For seed requests or inquiries, contact us directly at [email protected]. Join us in protecting and celebrating legume biodiversity!
About the Desert Legume Program (DELEP): Preserving Global Legume Biodiversity
The Desert Legume Program (DELEP) is dedicated to preserving the biodiversity of Fabaceae (Leguminosae), the third-largest family of vascular plants, with a strong presence in the floras of arid and semi-arid regions. Despite their significance, wild legumes from dry regions remain understudied in terms of their economic potential.
Legumes are second only to cereal grains in their importance to humanity, serving a wide array of purposes:
- Food crops and forage crops
- Green manure for sustainable agriculture
- Forestry and erosion control
- Sources of medicines and industrial compounds
- Shade, shelter, and landscape plants
Many legumes possess a unique ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a plant-usable form through symbiosis with specialized bacteria, making them vital for ecological health and sustainable farming practices.
DELEP Mission
- Seed Conservation: Acquire and preserve seeds of legumes native to the arid and semi-arid lands of the world.
- Research: Advance knowledge of the nature and utility of these species.
- Distribution: Share germplasm with professionals and individuals who have a legitimate interest.
- Conservation: Support desert legume biodiversity through in situ and ex situ preservation methods.
What DELEP Offers
DELEP serves individuals, businesses, academic institutions, and government agencies in Arizona and across the globe by providing:
- Seeds and plant material
- Expert information on desert legumes
- Access to seeds via direct contact, the USDA-ARS GRIN, and Botanic Gardens Conservation International
Facilities and Projects
- Seed Bank: A vital repository of desert legume germplasm.
- Field Evaluations and Seed Production Plots: For research and conservation.
- Taylor Legume Garden: Showcases the diversity and utility of desert legumes.
Join DELEP in our mission to protect and promote the incredible diversity and potential of legumes from some of the world’s most challenging environments. Contact us today to learn more or request seeds from our collection!
Request Seeds from the Desert Legume Program (DELEP)
DELEP offers seed samples, subject to availability, to individuals and organizations in the U.S. and internationally. Our mission is to support research, conservation, and educational projects by providing access to legume germplasm from arid and semi-arid regions.
How to Request Seeds
- Browse the Index Seminum:
DELEP’s Index Seminum lists available seeds and provides detailed instructions for requesting them. - Contact Us:
- Email: Until further updates, seed requests can be directed to [email protected]
- Request Through USDA-ARS GRIN:
- Use the USDA-ARS GRIN database for advanced seed requests.
- Select “Desert Legume Program – DLEG” as the repository under Advanced Search.
International Requests
- Due to costs and logistics, DELEP cannot provide phytosanitary certificates for international requests.
- If a phytosanitary certificate is required by your country, please submit your request directly through the USDA-ARS GRIN website.
DELEP DATABASES
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Watch out for this dangerous cousin of the cucumber.
Gila manroot (Marah gilensis) is a perennial vine in the gourd family. The long vines grow from tubers underground that can weigh up to 50 lbs. While its unique, spikey fruits may look enticing, they are toxic to humans. It`s best to leave these sprawling vines as decoration.
Plan your visit and explore fascinating native plants at the link in bio.
#btarboretu #boycethompsonarboretum #desertplants #nativeplants
Looking for something to do over Spring Break? Plan a trip to the Arboretum!
Explore desert wonders from all over the world. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#thingstodoaz #boycethompsonarboretum #superioraz #springbreak
Whether you`re starting a new landscape or adding to growing plant collection, Boyce Thompson Arboretum`s Spring Plant Sale has the perfect native and desert adapted plants.
Pick up new trees, shrubs, perennials, and more for your garden or landscape. This plant sale features an array of plants from around the world, including plants native to the southwestern states and northern Mexico. These plants are better adapted to a climate like ours, making them more sustainable and water-wise.
March 14-29
8 am - 5 pm, daily
37615 E Arboretum Way
Superior, AZ 85173
BTA Members receive 20% off during plant sales and get early access to the sale on March 13. Start the spring season with a garden refresh!
#boycethompsonarboretum #desertplants #nativeplants #springplantsale
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is traveling to your classroom!
Boyce Thompson Arboretum classroom outreach brings outdoor learning to your school through S.T.E.A.M. units offering inquiry-based, engaging lessons that explore the world of plants as well as the phenomena of the Sonoran Desert. Learn how plants grow in our arid environment, the amazing adaptations of wildlife in the desert, and how to start and maintain a pollinator garden at your school.*
Classroom outreach is one piece of the Arboretum`s initiative to bring quality education to schools within the Copper Corridor. Thank you to our sponsor, @resolutioncopper, for making outreach possible.
Outreach sessions for the 2026-2027 school year are booking now. Learn more and schedule an outreach session at the link in bio.
*Some outreach programs are limited to schools within the Copper Corridor
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What are you hoping to pick up at Boyce Thompson Arboretum`s Spring Plant Sale?
Spring Plant Sale begins March 14th and runs through March 29th, 8 am – 5 pm daily. BTA Members receive 20% off during plant sales and get early access to the sale on March 13! Become a member at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #springplantsale #desertplants #springplanting
See beautiful and unique floral and horticultural displays at SPRING FEVER 🌺
Desert Designers & Gold Canyon Garden Club present SPRING FEVER 2026, A National Garden Club Small Standard Flower Show. Members of Desert Designers & Gold Canyon Garden Club come together to expand and exhibit their knowledge and skill of Floral design.
Open to the public – Free with Arboretum’s standard admission
Viewing Hours:
Saturday March 21st, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday March 22nd, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This flower show is held in honor of Kim Gray, Executive Director of Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona’s largest and oldest botanical garden.
Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #floraldesign #flowershow
Penstemon parryi is in bloom across the gardens. Native to the Sonoran Desert, this wildflower is adding stunning pops of pink across our desert landscape.
Come see what`s blooming. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarborteum #boycethompsonarboretum #springblooms #nativewildflowers
March is daffodil month! Symbolizing spring, new beginnings, and happiness, these flowers are definitely adding joy to our gardens.
Every season has something new to offer. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarborteum #boycethompsonarboretum #SpringBlooms #DesertBloom #daffodils