On June 24th, I took a quick (two hours) jaunt to the LBJ grasslands. I had run across a parasitic plant in the flora. I was curious if I could locate a specimen. Currently it is not on any list I have for this area. I was not successful this time. Notice I said this time? I will certainly will have my eyes open for it now! The plant is Pilostyles thurberi and it is only found on Black Dalea (Dalea frutescens). My morning, however, was still very successful and fun!
Since my goal was to look at Dalea, I was checking every Dalea. I found this dodder (Cuscuta) climbing the Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea). Some dodders are host specific. I did not key this one. The orange color is due to the fact that it has no chlorophyll. This is another group that has moved. It is now considered to be in the Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory family).
Here was a hairy egg case on a Dalea!
A close view of the glands that dot the leaves!
Others caught my attention. Like this little bee at the White Compass Plant (Silphium albiflorum)!
A few hoppers were around as well. The white with black band Three-banded Grasshopper (Hadrotettix trifasciatus) was one of them!
Another Dodder, but this time on an Antelope Horns!
Seed pods and seeds of the Two-leaf Senna!
Rock-pink (Phemeranthus calcaricus syn Talinum calycinum) looked a bit pitiful. It has a beautiful pink flower that only opens in the evening.
I will share two more finds from June 24th in another post. I brought them both home to study closer. 🙂
Early this morning, Edgar had moved over to the little snag with his/her parents nearby. Later in the morning, he/she moved back to the roof. Then when it got sunny on the roof, he/she went back inside. Edgar was back on the roof after supper. And we got a video of a parent feeding Edgar. However, I have not been able to trim and make smaller yet.
Im as proud of Edgar as if i were a parent. The color of seed pod on antelope horns is so bright and gorgeous.
I am curious now about the Pilostyles. I’ve not heard of it – I hope you find it and can show me. Edgar ❤
Another treasure hunt I say 😉
That pilostyles plant is WILD
Really is and I hope I can find it!