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
#1Arb
Tag us on Instagram with
@btarboretum #1Arb
Did you know the difference between palms and cycads?
Cycads date back to about 280 million years ago (that`s before dinosaurs!). Unlike palms, which attract pollinators with flowers, cycads are gymnosperms that produce seeds in woody cones. Cycads are more closely related to conifers than their look-a-like palms.
Check out these cycads during your next trip to Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #superioraz #cycads #desertplants
More fruit tree blooms 🍎
The Anna Apple (Malus domestica `Anna`) is lighting up our canyon with beautiful pink blooms. Plan your trip to see these gorgeous apple blossoms before they`re gone.
Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #superioraz #appletree #appleblossom
Take a moment to celebrate happiness with Postcards of Joy, a creative block printing workshop.
Traveling artist @shannonrosemoriarty is teaching one last class before she leaves Arizona. With over a decade of experience in arts education and classes hosted across the country, she invites you to slow down, explore, and rediscover joy through making.
You will be guided through creating your own block print that captures the moments that bring you the most joy, whether they’re big or small. This workshop is open to artists of all skill levels and is designed to nurture creativity and self-expression. Whether you`re new to printmaking or an experienced artist, you`ll be guided through the process in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 2 pm - 5 pm
Location: @btarboretum
Tickets: Non-members $85, Members $68
Class participants must be 18+ years of age. Register at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #superioraz #blockprinting #artclasses
`Aloe` Everybody!
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is open on Presidents` Day, 8 am - 5 pm (last admission at 4 pm). Have an outdoor adventure before the weekend is over.
Plan your visit at the 🔗 in bio.
Photo by: Kelley Wolfe
#aloe #aloebloom #btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #superiorarizona
Happy Birthday Arizona!
Today is a perfect day to get outside and explore the wonders of Arizona. Check out these trails and gardens that highlight the beauty of our local deserts during next trip to Boyce Thompson Arboretum:
- Sonoran Desert Exhibit
- Chihuahuan Desert Exhibit
- Mojave Desert Exhibit
- The Upland Region
- Southwestern Trail
Join us in wishing Arizona a Happy Birthday! Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#boycethompsonarboretum #superioraz #happybirthdayarizona #SonoranDesert #desertplants
Spring is beginning to bloom in the Taylor Family Desert Legume Garden 🌻
Pictured: Knife Acacia (Acacia cultriformis)
Come see what`s blooming at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#boycethompsonarboretum #btarboretum #superioraz #springblooms #DesertBloom
A broad-billed hummingbird taking a pit stop at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Discover over 200 species of Arizona`s birds. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#boycethompsonarboretum #superioraz #broadbilledhummingbird #hummingbird
Nothing beats views like this
Stop by the Perennial Garden during your next trip to Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #superioraz