Dead ironwood
Dead ironwood shows how slowly change comes in the desert. Once established, desert perennials can live for many years, and new plants often must wait for space to open in the community. In this arid climate, dead wood does not decay quickly. A fallen or standing ironwood may remain for centuries, preserved by dryness and sun. Over time, termites and other decomposers help break down the wood and return its nutrients to the soil. This gradual process enriches the ground and creates an opportunity for new seedlings to take root. In this way, even a dead tree remains part of the living desert. It provides shelter, nourishes the soil, and helps make possible the next generation of plants in the bajada community.
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