Leucophyllum frutescens [Texas Sage]

[Andrea B.]

Blum, A.G. (2013) Leucophyllum frutescens (Berlandier) I.M.Johnston (Scrophulariaceae) Texas Sage. Flowers photographed in ultraviolet and visible light. http://www.ultraviol...ens-texas-sage/

 

Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, Arizona, USA

21 April 2013

Wildflower in botanical garden

 

Synonyms:

• Terania frutescens Berlandier
  
• Cenizo
  
• Barometer Bush
  
• Texas Ranger
  
• Purple Sage
  

Comment:

The drought tolerant, shrubby L. frutescens is native to the US Southwest and northern Mexico. Members of the genus Leucophyllum are known to bloom in advance of oncoming rain storms, hence the nickname Barometer Bush. These plants are widely used in xeriscaping.

This particular example was a little past its blooming peak, so the corolla shows some aging which is particularly evident in the UV photograph. The flower is uniformly UV-dark with brighter reproductive bits.

 

Reference:

1. Henrickon, J. & Flyr, L.D. (1985) Systematics of Leucophyllum and Eremogeton (Scrophulariaceae). SIDA Contrib. to Botany, v11, #2. http://www.botanicus.org/page/1073878. Key begins on page 129.

 

Equipment [Nikon D600-broadband + Nikon 105mm f/4.5 UV-Nikkor]

 

Visible Light [f/11 for 1/160" @ ISO 1600 in Sunlight with Baader UVIR-Block Filter]

 

Ultraviolet Light [f/8 for 1/50" @ ISO 400 with SB-14 UV-modified Flash and Baader UV-Pass Filter]