We set out on a quick driving loop this morning to see two local Calochortus species, Alkali Mariposa Lily and Desert Mariposa Lily.
At Redrock Canyon State Park we had a location for Alkali Mariposa Lily (Calochortus striatus) from our friends Tom and Liga. This relatively rare flower was a wonderful treat.
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| Plenty of buds still to open |
Next up was a drive to the El Paso Mountains near home for some prolific displays of Desert Mariposa Lily (Calochortus kennedyi). We had a track from some hiking friends to a large display, but before we could get there Susan spotted a whole hillside covered in orange. We had to wind our way part way in on a dirt road, then hike a mile and a half. It was worth every step. Wow. The display was nearly as dense as some of the California Poppies we saw a few weeks ago. This is as good a desert lily display as we will likely see in our lifetime.
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| Seed pods |
im going
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