I was out wildflower-hunting at the 90mm site in the Lawrence Woods section of the Fells. Here are some of the native treasures in flower or fruit right now:
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| Pine-sap (Hypopitys monotropa) |
I was delighted to find by far the largest cluster of pine-sap (Monotropa hypopitys) I’ve ever seen! It doesn’t photosynthesize – instead it is a parasite on tree roots with the help of a fungus. How cool is that?! This patch is past flower and is in fruit.
Two more of my favorite plants were in fruit – That’s spotted wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata) on the left and american shinleaf (Pyrola americana) on the right. Both are evergreen – keep an eye out for the leaves even in the winter!
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| Partridge sensitive-pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) |
Partidge pea is described as “sensitive” because it responds to touch and to coming darkness by folding together its leaflets. Isn’t that neat? I wish I’d realized it while I was there.
Look closely at this bluecurl (Trichostema dichotomum) – they’re tiny, but exquisite! The photo on the left is a macro shot.
Some really wonderful finds today! I’m so grateful to have such a wonderful natural oasis so near home.
[Thanks for the Pyrola ID, Walter]