A good bit of the outing (March 6th) we looked for and at the Trout Lilies (Erythronium mesochoreum). And why shouldn’t we, they are so darn cute. They spread themselves out unlike their cousins, Erythronium albidum.
Both species of the aforementioned are secure (G4) in their status in Texas. However, in several other states the status ranges from critically imperiled (S1) to imperiled (S2) (NatureServe). Certainly, we are fortunate! The Atlas of the Vascular Plants of Texas has a lot more known locations for E. albidum than E. mesochoreum. The LBJNG is special in so many ways!
Most of what we found were in the understory of the trees in the leaf litter. That certainly makes them easy to spot.
We ooooh’d and aaaah’e’d over each flower. As I examined them, some of the flowers had tiny ants crawling about.
What were the ants doing?
Were they helping in the pollination?
The ant at the very top, seemed be carrying pollen. However, only a few did that which I observed.
Another with pollen. Were the ants helping with the pollination? An internet search, said no. Pollination is done by various species of bees. FNCT said a study indicated that ants eat the white oil body attached to the seeds and act as dispersal agents. So maybe these ants were finding other rewards for being there at this stage of the flower? Also with additional pondering on my part, the flowers do nod downward. So it would be more logical that the flying critters were responsible for pollination.
While heading back across the prairie, we did run across several patches of the Trout Lilies in the thick grasses. Moreover, I had not noticed them before in the open prairie at this location. However, it should not have been a surprise since a location in Cooke County, that is exactly where they grow.
Unfortunately for me, I have not got around to seeing the other Erythronium species in North Texas, Erythronium albidum. Suzanne told me it was generally a larger plant. Also it grows in colonies. I really should make an effort to go see it sometime.
Cool article on the newly discovered cat species.
Loving the memory if that hike!
…of that hike…
Great memories for sure!🤗
I still have in my to do list to try to find some spring beauty seeds that you said the ants disperse too!
👍🏼