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Posts tagged ‘Flora Survey’

Violet Snapdragon

There is nothing more exciting for this wanna-be botanist than to find a species I’ve never seen before. It doesn’t happen much anymore because I’m exploring in the Preserve so often but I was lucky this past Saturday. While looking for another species, I came across a Violet Snapdragon (Sairocarpus nuttallianus) growing right next to the one I had been looking for! Of course I had no idea what it was so I went to my main source, Steve Jones, and he came through as always. Thanks Steve! And thanks to Chris for helping me hike back up to get a better look yesterday. (It’s a very steep trail)

What look like hairs all over the plant are actually tiny tack-like glands. Very cool.

Field Institute

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy now has a Field Institute and today was the first day for many members, including me, to collect flora specimens. The goal of the Institute is to document the flora in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve during the next 3 years. Besides being fun, this Flora Survey will be a great opportunity to gain some botanical knowledge. Front and center (holding White RatanBursage) is our fearless leader; botanist Steve Jones.