(Wikipedia, 1) Likewise, early American settlers in these regions found this a crucial plant to be used in the efforts of homesteading and industrialization. Using the dense fibrous substance of the trunk in order to render fencing and other demarcations of property, the pioneers subjected much of the available stock of Joshua Trees in this region to exploitation. This accounts in part for the reduced presence of these in the general landscape. Indeed, research also denotes that the steam engine which was so central to early industrialization appealed heavily to the slow-burning of the dense Joshua Tree fibers as a way of generating fuel. (Wikipedia, 1) Though its use in native cultures was omnipresent, the most prominent of symbols relating to the Joshua Tree also emerges from the engagement of American pioneers. Initially, research tells, the Joshua Tree was encountered in formal recording by Mormon settlers. It was their view that the stubby, upward reaching branches with green tufts at the...

(Wikipedia, 1) Though little reference is made to this symbolism today, the name of the tree does conjure a sense of curiosity for its reflection not of genus, species or region but of its symbolism to a specific cultural perspective.
Today, the greatest threat to the Joshua Tree is the same force which threatens much of the natural order. Climate change is producing differences in the survival strategy which is required to sustain in the face of harsh desert conditions at a speed which far outpaces the steady march of evolution. Therefore, there is a danger that the remarkably adapted Joshua Tree may be incapable of making the adaptations which have made it such a great inspirer of wonder to this juncture.

Works Cited:

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (RSABG). (2010). Living Collection: In the Garden. RSABG.org.

Wikipedia. (2010). Joshua Tree. Wikimedia,…