Overlooking Lockwood Valley from Mutau Flat Road.
The pinyon pine (aka: singleleaf pinyon) (Pinus monophylla) woodland is very
characteristic of this region and certainly
dominated the
area near Piano Box Loop Road where I photographed most of the
flowers shown below. This
pinyon pine is unique to the Pinus genus in that it
is the only species with a single needle
(as opposed to 2+ needles per bundle) (Lanner, 1999).
Bitterroot was my main objective in this one day photographic expedition.
I was determined to see
one of these beauties in bloom ever since my enthusiastic
wildflower informant, Jim Pick, extolled
the glories of its bloom near Pine Springs the
previous year. It was he who cued me in that they
were set to open (thank goodness for
his vigilance!). I went out
the very next weekend to investigate.
Albeit, they were smaller flowers than I expected,
but, well worth the trip! The bitterroots
definitely preferred open slopes with a
minimum of competition. Indeed, if I were that beautiful,
maybe I too would want the best vantage!
Desert mariposa (Calocortus kennedyi) has the most
intense brick color, standing out boldly
against the soil's decomposed granite soil.
(Allium ?). As usual, I rapidly get into trouble with
my alliums. I never know what species they
are, but I sure do love them! This one had
a nice oniony scent and long strap-like leaves.
Monkeyflower (Mimulus ?). I'm hoping to get a better handle on
this monkeyflower's
identification in Jepson's. Found in the shelter of a pinyon pine in a very isolated
patch. Did not
see any others blooming nearby.
