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Author: Fuller, Christina L.

Cochineal, the crimson bug; article authored by Wayne Armstrong

Posted on by Fuller, Christina L.

Have you ever paused to consider how the red-dyed items around you may have received their color?

The Friends of the Edwin and Francis Hunter Arboretum’s committee member and expert, Professor Emeritus Wayne Armstrong, authored a fascinating article on the cochineal insect, Dactylopinus coccus, responsible for the Red Dye 4 used in many applications. The article was published in Ornament magazine: The Art & Craft of Personal Adornment (volume 45, no. 4; pg 30-35). For more information, the pdf of the article is obtainable by clicking the picture below, or a flip-book version of the entire magazine is available in the link above.

Picture comprised of four sub pictures showing the fruit-bearing Opunita ficus-indica, home of the cochineal bug which contributes to the production of Red Dye no 4.

April 2025 Arboretum and Bird Identification Tour

Posted on by Fuller, Christina L.

April 12, 2025

There was a lovely turn-out for the April 2025 Arboretum and Bird Identification Tour. Professor Elizabeth Pearson provided everyone with binoculars and bird guides to track down the many species of bird visible throughout the Arboretum and as always, Tony Rangel provided fascinating information about the plants blooming throughout the Arboretum. A continued thanks to our volunteers and visitors!

Image of one of the many cacti species in bloom in the Arboretum
Cacti in full bloom
Image of one of the many cacti species in bloom in the Arboretum
Cacti in full bloom
Blooms on the several Jacaranda trees in the Arboretum
Picture of a tiny hummingbird nest in one of the California oak species on campus
A tiny hummingbird nest was spotted in one of the native Oak species
Picture of students listening to Tony Rangel explaining information about the Arboretum
Tony Rangel is always ready to present a wealth of information of the Arboretum plant-life
Blooms on the several Jacaranda trees in the Arboretum
One of the lovely jacarandas blooming at this time of year
Picture of Tony Rangel explaining the purpose of the nitrogen fixating nodules at the root of the plant
At the bottom of this plant, pulled because it was invading an area it should have not been, were nodules of nitrogen-fixing bacteria
Picture of Peruvian Lily blooms (Alstroemeria)
Peruvian lillies
Picture of blooming plants in the Arboretum, Mala mujer plant
Mala mujer plant
Picture of the trunk of the rainbow eucalyptus
The trunk of the rainbow gum eucalyptus
One of the bromeliad species located in front of the Palomar College Library
Professor Beth Pearson helps Arboretum-goers to identify some of the local species of birds
Professor Beth Pearson helps Arboretum-goers to identify some of the local species of birds
Picture of one of the blooming plants in the Arboretum
Picture of one of the blooming plants in the Arboretum, this one relating to the Wisteria plant
Related to the Wisteria plant, and just as lovely

2023 September Book Donation

Posted on by Fuller, Christina L.

Palomar College received a donation from the San Diego Botanical Garden from the Library of Elmer Lorenz. The Friends of the Edwin and Frances Hunter Arboretum were able to have the first sneak-peek of the treasure trove this month!

If you would like to read more about the donation, please follow the link here.

2025 January 11 Arboretum Tour

Posted on by Fuller, Christina L.

Palomar College San Marcos Arboretum Trails Tour
Saturday, January 11, 2025 – 8:00 am

The Palomar College Arboretum Committee had their first tour of the year through the Palomar College Arboretum. The hike to the Arboretum was led by Anthony Rangel, president of the Friends of the Palomar College Arboretum.

Visitors were given a tour of the Arboretum and the Cactus and Succulent Garden, with details provided about many of the interesting species present in the arboretum including surprising family relationships, identifying features and conservation status.

Tony Rangel greets visitors to the Arboretum tour. Images courtesy of Kimberly Conklin
Tony Rangel greets visitors to the Arboretum tour.
One of the unique features of the Arboretum is the James Hubbell Sculpture donated to Palomar College many years prior. Images courtesy of Kimberly Conklin
One of the unique features of the Arboretum is the James Hubbell Sculpture donated to Palomar College many years prior.
Tony pointed out one of the more unique fig fruits from one of the ficus varieties on campus. Images courtesy of Kimberly Conklin
Tony pointed out one of the more unique fig fruits from one of the Ficus varieties on campus.
Visitors also were given a tour of the cactus and succulent garden, perhaps one of the oldest in the country! Images courtesy of Kimberly Conklin
Visitors also were given a tour of the cactus and succulent garden, perhaps one of the oldest in the country!
Visitors also were given a tour of the cactus and succulent garden, perhaps one of the oldest in the country! Images courtesy of Kimberly Conklin

Images courtesy of Kimberly Conklin