Big Bend National Park is a great place to learn about plants!  Many of the plants here in the Chihuahuan desert have spines or barbs that might catch on your cloths as you walk by them.  These spines are to protect the plant from animals that might be after thier water or fruits.  Those that do not have spines, will catch your eyes with thier flowers or general appearance.  Over 1,000 species of plants are found within Big Bend National Park.  In recent years park botanists, technicians and volunteers have found many new species and rediscovered some that haven't been seen in years.  One of those plants, Hidalgo ladies tresses hasn't been seen in over 60 years!