The Lane Mountain milkvetch, a slender, fragile plant in the pea family, is so fragile that its very existence depends upon the support of a "nurse" shrub through which the milkvetch climbs, using the shrub as a lattice to protect itself from the hot sun, strong winds and predators. Even with a buddy system, however, this rare milkvetch is listed as a federally Endangered Species and is found only in four small areas of habitat in the central Mojave Desert, including Fort Irwin.
The Army plays a key role in the conservation of this specialized desert plant, and populations are closely monitored and studied by Fort Irwin biologists. Few plants -- or animals -- in the harsh desert environment could be described as "fragile". To make it in the Mojave, most desert inhabitants sport claws, armor, spikes, venom or a bad attitude.
So, how did this meek little member of the pea family find itself in this situation? Researchers are puzzled by how the Lane Mountain milkvetch evolved, but one characteristic (what biologists call an adaptation) stands out: this species has carved itself a very special niche by not only exploiting the strength of other plants, but also by growing on inhospitable, shallow, rocky soils where even the Mojave Desert's King of Plants, the mighty creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), rarely grows. Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from the Lane Mountain milkvetch. To make it in the world, maybe you don't have to be the biggest, toughest, loudest one in the group -- maybe all you really need is a good support system!
Social Sharing