Robert Perrill
Arizona Research Labs - Interdisciplinary
University of Arizona
Tucson Arizona
email: robertp@u.arizona.edu

ABOUT | CURRENT RESEARCH |PHOTO'S

Bob Perrill is a recognized authority on Sonoran Desert ecology with emphasis on cacti and succulents, especially the boojum. For over 30 years, he has traveled extensively throughout the desert areas of both Arizona and Baja California, Mexico. Bob was the Assistant Curator of Plants at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson for 15 years. He worked as an independent biological consultant engaged in endangered species surveys in the southwest for over 8 years. Bob has worked at the University of Arizona for the last 8 years.

Bob has spent over 25 years devoted to studying and growing boojum, perhaps the most unique desert plant anywhere. The boojum (Fouquieria columnaris), pinnacle of the ocotillo family (Fouquieriaceae), is naturally found primarily in central Baja California, Mexico. Boojum are relatively slow growing, very long lived, extremely well adapted desert succulents. Bob has spent many weeks in the heart of boojum country, photographing, measuring growth, observing plant and animal associations, collecting seed (years ago when it was still legal), and loving boojum in habitat. It is currently illegal to bring boojum plants or seed out of Mexico without special permits. Such permits are almost impossible to get.

Boojum are semi-hardy, stem succulents which leaf out and grow in the cooler winter months. They are leafless and dormant during the dry hot summer. They grow well in cultivation and make great outdoor landscapes plants in the southwest U.S. With proper care, they will also do well in desert greenhouses located in botanical gardens and private collections throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Bob has grown 1000s of boojum from seed over the years and has transplanted many large boojum specimens for the Desert Museum, other institutions, and private individuals. He is often referred to or called upon by botanical gardens and nurseries throughout the southwest to answer boojum questions regarding acquisition, propagation, and horticultural information.

At boojumunltd@aol.com, Bob is available to answer questions on the natural history of boojum, propagating and transplanting, where to buy or sell boojum, and horticultural care in different climes.