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Kalmia polifolia
Bog Kalmia, Bog Laurel
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Photographer: Aaron Schusteff
ID: 0000 0000 0805 1225 (2005-08-28)Copyright © 2005 Aaron Schusteff
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| INFORMATION PROVIDED WITH THE PHOTO
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date of photo Jul 29, 2005
location Near the shore of the largest central lake in Pioneer Basin, in the High Sierra, about 15 miles SE of Mammoth Lakes. (Fresno County, California, US)notes I often associate Kalmia with two other distinctive Ericaceous shrub genera: Phyllodoce and Cassiope. Each is represented by a single species in the High Sierra. Kalmia polifolia tends to be smaller and more low growing than Phyllodoce breweri, with which it often grows. Both have pink flowers, but Kalmia requires wet boggy areas, while Phyllodoce can tolerate drier habitats. However, Kalmia can be distinguished by its unique and delightful floral morphology and pollination mechanism. In freshly opened flowers, each of the 10 stamens arch downwards at both ends towards the shallow bowl of the more or less rotate corolla, held down by tension/compression from the anthers which are tucked into 10 depressed saclets in the limb of the corolla. When the anthers are mature and ready to dihisce, and an insect alights on the open corolla with sufficient force, anthers are dislodged from their saclets and the stamens spring up and splash pollen onto the pollinator. In this photo the flowers at left and center have not yet 'sprung', while a few of the stamens on the flower at right have. In the absence of insect mediated pollination, stamens may also conceivably spring up as the corolla ages and effect self-pollination. Also visible in the background are old fruit capsules.camera Shot at f8, 1/60, ISO 100, on a Canon Digital Rebel XT with a Canon 50mm Compact macro lens.photo category: Plant - annual/perennial
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MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PLANT
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| common names
Bog Kalmia, Bog Laurel (ITIS )
Look for Jepson Manual treatments, maps (University & Jepson Herbaria)View Calflora record for Kalmia polifoliaCheck the Plants Database (USDA website)View Encyclopedia of Life record for Kalmia polifoliaView all photos in CalPhotos of Kalmia polifolia Check Google Images for Kalmia polifolia |
The photographer's identification Kalmia polifolia has not been reviewed. Click here to review or comment on the identification. |
Using this photo The thumbnail photo (128x192 pixels) on this page may be freely used for personal or academic purposes without prior permission under the Fair Use provisions of US copyright law as long as the photo is clearly credited with © 2005 Aaron Schusteff.
For other uses, or if you have questions, contact Aaron Schusteff arbonius2[AT]sbcglobal.net. (Replace the [AT] with the @ symbol before sending an email.)
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