Painted Beauties
Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.), Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea), and yellow composites (the bane of my botanizing) intermingle to adorn the hill slopes above Crater Lakes, James Peak Wilderness, Colorado.
The Paintbrush are an interesting group of species, their brightly colored beautiful bracts (not petals) belying a belowground lifestyle that often slips into larceny. Isotope studies have revealed that Paintbrush has no compunctions when it comes to making off with sugars synthesized and stored by its neighbors. Typically a misdemeanor, these plants are prone to repeat offenses and have been particularly hard-hit by mandatory minimum sentences.
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
Painted Beauties
Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.), Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea), and yellow composites (the bane of my botanizing) intermingle to adorn the hill slopes above Crater Lakes, James Peak Wilderness, Colorado.
The Paintbrush are an interesting group of species, their brightly colored beautiful bracts (not petals) belying a belowground lifestyle that often slips into larceny. Isotope studies have revealed that Paintbrush has no compunctions when it comes to making off with sugars synthesized and stored by its neighbors. Typically a misdemeanor, these plants are prone to repeat offenses and have been particularly hard-hit by mandatory minimum sentences.
Enjoy the weekend everyone!