BROOMSTICK TREE
PALO LOCO
Senecia praecox
Senecia praecox
Senecia praecox otherwise known as "broomstick tree" or "palo loco" is a plant native to Mexico. This plant is used for many reasons, one of the most important being its social use, although it is not used in Mexico for aesthetic reasons the broomstick tree is a victim of illegal commerce and exportation to other countries. This is because the broomstick tree has seen popular demand in recent years all over the country.
over the years the broomstick tree has evolved to make it harder for other consumers to eat it. First of all the broomstick trees have developed a sort of spice in their bark in order to stop other animals from climbing it or grabbing its trunk. The broomstick tree has also developed spike-like leaves for it to defend against other animals. Lastly, broomstick trees have evolved to grow in a specific way to be as far from the ground as possible, this has also earned them the name "candelabra"
Broomstick trees are disappearing way faster than what is commonly thought. This is because every year 167 thousand hectares of trees are chopped down in Mexico City, this includes a lot of broomstick trees as well. Another point to take in mind is the illegal distribution that takes place, where broomstick trees are exported to other countries for they way they look. Although they are not really wanted in their region, central Mexico, broomstick trees are disappearing at a faster rate than ever
The broomstick tree, like any other tree uses photosynthesis and cellular respiration to live. Photosynthesis consists of a tree absorbing sunlight in order to get a variety of nutrients. Although, cellular respiration consists of a tree absorbing carbon dioxide and then processing it and finally releasing oxygen as waste. Cellular respiration is done as a way for a plant to create a nucleotide called ATP to break down glucose.
Broomstick trees are located in central Mexico which is dry and arid and full of desert-like habitats. These conditions make for the broomstick trees to not need a lot of water. The broomstick tree's short roots allow it to grow in thin and arid places where the ground is very irregular.