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
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♻️Do you recycle? These birds do! Meet nature`s best clean up crew: the Turkey Vulture. Next time you visit us, keep an eye out for these incredible birds. If you get any pics, don`t forget to tag us in your post!
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Boyce Thompson Arboretum will be closed on Saturday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. We`ll reopen Sunday, July 5th from 6 am to 12 pm. See you then!
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As our fiscal year comes to a close, we`re reflecting with gratitude on the incredible community that makes Boyce Thompson Arboretum thrive.
Your support doesn`t take the summer off. During these hottest months, your generosity helps care for thousands of desert plants, provides vital habitat for Arizona wildlife, advances conservation and research, and prepares us to welcome thousands of students and visitors in the seasons ahead.
Every thriving bloom, shaded trail, and wildlife sighting is possible because of supporters like you.
Thank you for growing with us, believing in our mission, and helping protect Arizona`s desert landscapes for generations to come.
It`s not too late to add your support! Donate Now --> https://tinyurl.com/donateBTA
Join us Wednesday, July 1, for an early morning Bird Walk! This guided walk is perfect for beginners and seasoned birders alike. Don`t have binoculars? No problem! Loaner binoculars are available at our admission window. We hope to see you there!
📆Wednesday, July 1
🕕6:15 - 7:45 am
🚶🏽♀️Walk size: 15 people
🎫Free with admission
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Have you seen our raised garden beds? 🌿Located by the Smith Greenhouses, this spot is proof that growth can happen even in small, compact places. Take a look and get inspiration for your own garden!
Pictured plants:
🌱 Zinnia
🌱Amaranth
🌱Corn
🌱Nasturtium
🌱Cucumber
🌱Yellow Zucchini
Plan a visit today!
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When we think of pollinators, our minds probably go to birds and bees first. But at night, a different type of creature takes over pollination duties! A total of 29 bat species live in Arizona, making our state second in the nation for bat diversity. While many eat insects, some species drink nectar, making them a valuable part of our ecosystem.
Photo credit: Bruce D. Taubert
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Next time you are admiring a saguaro in bloom, make sure to thank the white-winged dove! These beautiful birds are key pollinators of saguaro cactus. In fact, they are so highly dependent on saguaro, they have synchronized their migration to match its reproductive cycle!
And of course, we can`t forget hummingbirds, the most famous of pollinating birds. Arizona has at least 17 species of these small creatures, each playing an important role in pollinating our beautiful desert plants!
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Many plants go dormant during the winter, but the Sea Squill does the opposite! When temperatures start to rise and water becomes less available, this plant sheds its leaves and conserves energy until conditions become more favorable.
During its flowering cycle, the Sea Squill attracts insect pollinators like bees and butterflies, giving it an important role in the pollination cycle!
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