Marcescence is the retention, by live plants, of dead organic material which could be shed. An informative example would be with leaves, they often wilt and detach once they die. Those situations where deceased leaves shrivel, and yet remain attached to the living plant on which they originally grew, are described as marcescent.
Theories on benefits of marcescence include deterring of herbivory, dead foliage isn't as inticing or nutritious. Additionally, browsing dry material makes more noise, possibly alerting potential predators. Other accounts convey assistance against fire or sun damage. Marcescent plant remnants have also been noted to provide shelter for an environment of birds, invertibrates, and microorganisms.
In the habitat surrounding Keys View, a section of Joshua Tree National Park in the Little San Bernardino Mountains, Yucca Brevifolia, known commonly as Joshua Tree, and Nolina Parryi, casually Parry Nolina, display prolific marcescence. Other plants throughout the Mojave Desert with prominent marcescent tendencies include Washingtonia Filifera (California Fan Palm) and Yucca Schidigera (Mojave Yucca).
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