Sonora Desert/Sierra Madres Occidental

We took a train ride (El Chepe) into the Copper Canyon of Mexico traveling through several different types of forest. First the Tropical Dry Forest, highlighted by bright pink Amapa (Tabebuia impetiginosa) Tree and OrganPipe Cactus.

Then to my delight we gained elevation and passed into the amazing Pine-Oak Forest of the High Sierra, home to several dozen species of Pine. A few I was able to identify:
Apache Pine/ Pinus engelmanii with
very long (12”+) needles in bundles of 3. The native people use them for basket weaving.

Pino Triste (Sad or Weeping Pine) Pinus lumholzii is endemic to this area. Needles in bundles of 3 that hang down from the branches making it seem “sad”.

And so many Oak species (200!) I didn’t even begin to ID, just enjoyed being in their presence.
Also, Madrones, Manzanitas and Junipers but they will have to wait until next time.