Favoritos de jrcowles

"Phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region supported two reciprocally monophyletic evolutionary lineages corresponding to yellow- flowered and pink-flowered plants. Based on their evolutionary divergence and ability to remain distinct in sympatry, the two lineages in Emmenanthe are worthy of taxonomic recognition at the rank of species, as E. penduliflora and E. rosea (Brand) Constance, and are of evolutionary interest as examples of partially sympatric sister-species."

I posed this photo – the yellow flowered E. penduliflora was growing about 10 m away in non-serpentine or less intensely serpentine soil, near/under shrubs, while the E. p. rosea was in the rocky serpentine talus seen in the photo.

The structural and color differences seem readily apparent here.

I did not photograph the “entire” plant and/or the surrounding area. Yes, I'm aware that will make the plant more difficult to identify. I took other photos of this same species within the same general area and they were posted as separate observations.

Everyone loves this strikingly-beautiful species, with its fruit pedicels elongated like the strings of a harp.

If you are inclined to touch it, though, be aware that Don Rideout coined the term "Phacelia stink-a-lotta" for this species! It has a strong, somewhat nauseating leaf fragrance.

Disclaimer: This observation includes ALL the photographs I intended to take of this particular organism. That may NOT include images of the entire organism, all of its defining characteristics, or the general area in which it was found. I am already aware that this may reduce the likelihood of a species level identification.

Imagine you are just minding your own business, doing your Opuntia basilaris thing, feeling safe and protected by growing next to an Agave deserti, with its super-sharp spiny leaf tips. Then the Agave flowers, and suddenly, one day later, the whole plant falls over, spearing one of your pads, yanking it from the rest of the plant, and then lifting it high in the air.

In the last two pix, Don Rideout created the "before" scenario by restoring the Agave stalk to its upright position, which restored the base of the Opuntia pad to its former connection with the rest of its plant.

Some people might draw a "lesson" from this example. (;-)