Boojum tree - Definition and Overview

The boojum, Fouquieria columnaris, is a bizarre-looking tree native to Baja California, in the family Fouquieriaceae. Its name is derived from Lewis Carroll's poem "The Hunting of the Snark."

The trunk is up to 24 cm thick, with branches sticking out at right angles, all covered with small leaves (1.5-4 cm). The boojum can grow to a height of 20 m. The flowers bloom in summer and autumn; they occur in short racemes, and are creamy yellow, with a honey scent.