Desert Legume Program (DELEP)

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 Seed Bank Accessions:
DELEP’s Seed Bank Accessions lists available seeds
To Request Seeds:
- 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

Legume Taxa Seed Bank Accessions

This blooming cactus may look like a saguaro, but it's actually a cardón!

You may be wondering... if they look so similar, how can you tell the difference? Here's some things to keep in mind:

🌵Cardóns are MUCH larger than saguaros. They have thicker trunks and can grow taller than 60 ft!
🌵They typically have more branches that form closer to the ground.
🌵They're mostly found in Mexico whereas saguaros are primarily in Arizona.

Even though their blooms are short lived, the cardón remains a beautiful presence year round.

#Cardón #cactusbloom #cactusflower #cactilovers #plantfacts #btarboretum

🍁🍂 Dreaming of fall colors?

It's almost that time of year when the Arboretum transforms into a beautiful autumnal display! Typically, fall colors start appearing here around mid-November or early December. It largely depends on weather patterns and temperatures. When it finally happens, pomegranates, canyon hackberries, willows, pecans, and our famous grove of scarlet-orange Chinese pistache will (most likely) be at their peak color, as will the cottonwoods in Queen Creek Canyon. It's a sight you don't want to miss!

Follow our stories closely for updates! We'll make sure you know when the first fall colors start to appear.

#fallcolors #fallnature #fallleaves #btarboretum #naturelovers #getoutdoors

DELEP Mission

What DELEP Offers

Facilities and Projects

Request Seeds from the Desert Legume Program (DELEP)

DELEP DATABASES

#1Arb