Creosote is arguably the oldest living plant,with a specimen in Mojave estimated@17,000 years ( genetically identical offshoots that form the characteristic circle). The indians would secure three ridgepoles and lash or pile whatever was available,including creosote to create the wickiup.Try not to destroy entire colonies though,take parts from each circle. There are two exotic plants in the Sonora, Salt Cedar Bush and Buffel Grass. Utilize them and help the natives! There is an excellent writer on Desert plants. Look for The Desert Smells Like Rain and other works by Gary Nabhan.If you can't secure plant materials to build up in a desert survival scenario,mimic the animals and dig down. A simple depression,possibly walled with a row of rocks and covered with a tarp, jacket or opened sleeping bag makes an expediant shelter. Again, you have several schools out there listed on Doug's resources. Hands on instruction is irreplaceable. <br><br>