chaparralA word used to describe the vegetation consisting of tangled shrubs and thorny bushes found in California.
Definitions:
An area of dense, impenetrable shrubs or dwarf trees"The hillsides were covered in chaparral, making it difficult to navigate through them."
mesquiteA type of plant found in desert regions of America, mentioned in the book multiple times.
Definitions:
A small spiny tree or shrub of the pea family"She found shelter under a sparse mesquite tree."
quailA small, short-tailed game bird often mentioned in the book as part of the desert wildlife.
Definitions:
A small or medium-sized New World game bird, the male of which has distinctive facial markings"The hunter tracked the desert quail through the shrubs."
arridA term repeatedly used in the book to describe the dry, desolate desert landscape.
Definitions:
Lacking in sufficient water or rainfall"The arrid landscape stretched out towards the horizon."
sagebrushA fragrant shrub native to deserts in the western US, often mentioned in the book.
Definitions:
A shrub of the daisy family with silvery gray foliage and yellow flowers"The sagebrush perfumed the dry air with its distinctive scent."