gracious botany

Several weeks ago we received some magnificent agaves that were planted for the new owner. She was amazed on how desert plants survive extreme conditions and actually seem to thrive and show spectacular beauty.

This is what we learned from the botanist:
It helps desert plants to have spines or prickles to deter animals from eating the photosynthetic material it worked so hard to produce. There are also many chemicals that are produced by plants that deter herbivores. Without that protection the species would become extinct.
Agave is rich in vitamin B, C, D, E, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium, and chromium. Medicinally, agave has been used as a blood purifier, to improve digestion, and as an anti-inflammatory.

Whenever you encounter a person with “prickles” consider the environment he/she had to survive and thank God that His perfect will deemed that person worthy of His grace.