Low desert riparian corridor
Prickly. Cropped closeup of flower here.
This is the same brave plant you see me standing next to in the Split Mtn crazycline photo – the one and only specimen I found.
Wish I'd gotten better photos of this species, but this one at least is a good ID shot.
Geotag approx -- upper bajada.
Abundant. One of two common species of Desert Dandelion -- this one is adapted to the true desert, whereas M. cal*ifornica is typically a desert margin species.
Very common. Geotag approx -- somewhere along the riparian corridor (below the oasis and above the bajada).
A little later than this shot, pre-sunrise at Anza-Borrego. After I put my shoes on. :-)
Common species, somewhat variable. Geotag approx -- somewhere along the riparian corridor (below the oasis and above the bajada).
Roadside on our way home (outside the park, higher elev -- only place we saw this species in bloom). Geotag is best guess.
Mis-ID'ed this originally as Arizona Lupine (L arizonicus) -- looks to be Stinging Lupine, a larger, hairier species found in the mountains. Arizona was on my list of common Anza-Borrego species, but A-B is low desert -- I think we are just over the border here into a higher, wetter bioregion. Also, I just found a shot showing the leaves (finally managed to read most of the files off the CD, which was damaged), which turn out to be very hairy.
Only one found. Cool leaves.
Geotag approx -- upper bajada.
Note how these are the same color as the Engelmann's Hedgehog cactus that grows in the same area, even though they are not closely related. They have evolved the same colors because they are trying to attract the same pollinators.
Geotag is ballpark -- lower bajada area.
A delicate beauty, and one of a kind (the only specimen found). Geotag approx -- somewhere along the riparian corridor (below the oasis and above the bajada).
Rafinesquia neomexicana. Jepson Manual notes that it often grows supported by branches of a shrub like this -- seems like a lifestyle sort of halfway between a freestanding plant & a vine. Not the best shot, but it does show that habit, and also the pale purple streaking sometimes present on the outside.
Only specimen found. Geotag approx -- somewhere along the riparian corridor (below the oasis and above the bajada), probably on the lower end.
