October – April: Open daily 8am – 5pm. Last admission 1 hour before closing.

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The Australian Deserts Exhibit is a 10-acre homage to the unique biodiversity and culture of Australia’s arid and semi-arid regions.

Australia is the driest continent (second only to Antarctica), with its interior region, more commonly known as the Outback, receiving less than 150 millimeters of rainfall per year. Eighty percent of its wildlife and plants are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth.

The Collections

The first plants in the Australian exhibit were trees planted in the 1920’s and 1930’s, shortly after BTA’s creation. Now around a century old, these trees have grown into forests rivaling those found on their native continent. One hundred and three species of Eucalyptus include Mr. Big, the largest red river gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) in the United States. Walking through the eucalyptus forest is a truly immersive experience: trees shed their bark once a year, just as they do in Australia, and release fragrant vapors into the air from the volatile oils in their leaves. Click here for more information about BTA’s nationally accredited Eucalyptus collection.

Recreating the complexity of Australia’s unique ecogeography in Arizona took many years and even a trip Down Under. Seeds were collected from wild plants, propagated on site, and planted in the garden to simulate real natural areas. Today, there are 1,280 native Australian plants in the exhibit, with 321 different species represented across 93 genera in 39 families.

Australian Culture

Throughout the exhibit are interpretive displays explaining key aspects of Australian culture. The white-pillared Australian Pavilion at the exhibit entrance showcases the Federation Era architecture common across the country, and even features authentic corrugated metal roofing. Inside, didgeridoos, boomerangs, and other instruments of Aboriginal culture are displayed, and outside a small loop interprets the culinary and medicinal uses of Australian plants. The Drover’s Wool Shed, modelled after cartoons of rural Australian life in the 1900’s, was constructed by a set designer in Superior to recreate the careworn odds-and-ends look of a remote sheep herder’s shed. The popular vintage Dodge Power Wagon out front, while not Australian, was the Arboretum’s first truck. The Outback Bridge spanning Silver King Wash was inspired by a real bridge in New South Wales and offers superb views of the eucalyptus forest. Other features include a replica of a traveling Swagman’s Camp, a “jump-up,” that is, a regional term for a small but abrupt hill in an otherwise flat land, and an Aboriginal seep area containing recreated native paintings, grinding stones, and a ceremonial labyrinth.

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The Eucalyptus caesia is a true showstopper in bloom! Native to Western Australia, this small and graceful tree enchants with its silvery, powdery bark, and cascading pink or red flowers. These blossoms aren’t just a feast for the eyes—they’re also essential to pollinators like bees and birds, playing a vital role in their ecosystem.


#gilbert #mesa #desertbeauty #visitarizona #queencreek #exploreaz #aznature #chandleraz #tempeaz #santanvalley #arizonatrails #visitphoenix #arizonahiking #arizonahikes #explorenature #ExploreAZ #sonorandesert #thingstodoAZ #visitmesa
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See What Everyone’s Talking About! The Wallace Desert Garden at Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a 13-acre masterpiece featuring over 5,000 plants from the world’s most arid regions.

Visitors say it’s “breathtaking” and “a must-see for nature lovers.” Walk among towering saguaros, vibrant succulents, and rare, endangered plants carefully curated to showcase the beauty and resilience of desert life.

Did You Know? This garden preserves plants that are vital to global desert ecosystems and offers a glimpse into sustainable landscaping for the future.

Don’t just wonder what it’s like, plan your visit today, and experience why this garden is one of the most talked-about attractions in the region.

Start your journey at btarboretum.org

#desertbeauty #visitarizona #arizona #mesa #queencreek #gilbert
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The hedgehog cactus, particularly species like Echinocereus fasciculatus var. boyce-thompsonii, holds a rich legacy deeply intertwined with the history of Boyce Thompson Arboretum. This cactus was among the first planted at the arboretum in the 1920s and remains a symbol of our dedication to the preservation and appreciation of desert plants. Native to arid regions, these cacti are renowned for their stunning blooms and unique adaptations to survive harsh environments.

At the Arboretum, we take pride in conserving these iconic plants. Many species of hedgehog cactus, such as Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. arizonicus, are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and illegal harvesting. Our propagated plant sales program serves as a crucial initiative to combat this issue, providing sustainably grown cacti for the public while protecting wild populations. Additionally, cacti salvaged from construction sites are nurtured and given a new lease on life within our collections.

By supporting ethical propagation, research, and education, we aim to prevent further exploitation of these desert treasures. However, the challenges of conservation require a collective effort.

You can play a vital role in protecting the hedgehog cactus and other desert plants:

1. Avoid purchasing plants taken from the wild. Support organizations like ours that offer sustainably propagated specimens.
2. Contribute your time or resources to help our conservation programs thrive.
3. Educate others about the importance of desert plant conservation and the threats posed by habitat destruction and illegal harvesting.

Let’s ensure the beauty and resilience of the hedgehog cactus continue to inspire generations to come. Visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum to experience these marvels firsthand and join us in safeguarding our desert`s biodiversity!

Explore More & Get Involved Today at btarboretum.org
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Did you know our resident coatis LOVE the myrtle tunnel in the canyon? These skilled foragers might take over the tunnel for a short feast because, hey, even wildlife deserves a lunch break!

If you see them snacking, please be patient and enjoy the show from a safe distance. The trail under the tunnel may be briefly closed, but the sight of these adorable creatures in action is totally worth it!
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🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉
We’re open today, 8 AM–5 PM (last admission 4 PM).

Start 2025 surrounded by nature. Don’t miss out!

#desertbeauty #arizonatrails #exploreaz #aznature #queencreek #santanvalley #gilbert #chandleraz #tempeaz #mesa
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Why do lizards do push-ups? ...

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