Remarkable native Indian Warrior (Pedicularis densiflora, Scrophulariaceae)
I found this remarkable native Indian Warrior (Pedicularis densiflora) plant in the Scrophulariaceae plant family in the woods yesterday. This early-flowering perennial has leafy red bracts with a few real flowers in between. (San Marcos Pass, 14 February 2012)
This plant is a root-parasite of several different chaparral shrubs, probably Big-berry Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca) in this place. It must have a fungal connection with its host plant. It comes up mushroom-like, ready to flower.
The flower heads of these Indian Warrior plants are sold on the Internet "legal high" market. The effects are described on one web site as "tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, powerful aphrodesiacs, and sedatives". They sell for quite a bit.
I'd rather enjoy the flowers. This "wildcrafting" of native plants - especially these interesting root-parasites that can't be cultivated - bothers me!
Remarkable native Indian Warrior (Pedicularis densiflora, Scrophulariaceae)
I found this remarkable native Indian Warrior (Pedicularis densiflora) plant in the Scrophulariaceae plant family in the woods yesterday. This early-flowering perennial has leafy red bracts with a few real flowers in between. (San Marcos Pass, 14 February 2012)
This plant is a root-parasite of several different chaparral shrubs, probably Big-berry Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca) in this place. It must have a fungal connection with its host plant. It comes up mushroom-like, ready to flower.
The flower heads of these Indian Warrior plants are sold on the Internet "legal high" market. The effects are described on one web site as "tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, powerful aphrodesiacs, and sedatives". They sell for quite a bit.
I'd rather enjoy the flowers. This "wildcrafting" of native plants - especially these interesting root-parasites that can't be cultivated - bothers me!