Hillside walk, 14 July 2018

This week's count of flowering species takes a big drop from last week, down into the realm of typical mid summer numbers, that is, less than 20, where it is likely to sit until the new season arrives with cooler weather.

Nevertheless, today brought with it a couple of surprises, perhaps because the severe heat that I reported last week has abated.

Firstly, unlike last week, there were a few flower of sacapellote (Acourtia microcephala). These are on several plants in upper Canyon 2B, which is the west hillside, on a north facing slope. That is, it's more protected than most places where this species grows. Even so, these plants area ll a mass of seed.

Secondly, Vasey's prickly pear has two flowers. This is within the Lida Street horseshoe bend. These plants last had a few flowers three weeks ago.

The morning glory (Calystegia macrostegia) is back in bloom this week, too, just a handful of flowers in one plant in Canyon 8.

Clustered tarweed

Branching phacelia

Sacapellote

Vasey's prickly pear

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