Monoptilon belloides [Mohave Desert Star]

[Andrea B.]

Blum, A.G. (2013) Monoptilon belloides (A.Gray) H.M.Hall (Asteraceae) Mohave Desert Star. Flowers photographed in ultraviolet and visible light. http://www.ultraviol...ve-desert-star/

 

Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA

05 March 2012

Wildflower

 

Comment:

There are only two Monoptilon species native to the southwestern US and northwestern Mexico, M. belloides and M. bellidiforme. M. belloides has the longer stems, more linear leaves (often red-tinged) and generally longer rays.

The ray florets of this cheery little white 'belly-flower' are moderately UV-absorbing while the disc florets are UV-black. The inflorescence shows up very dramatically against the typical UV-bright desert gravel in which it is seen growing here.

 

Reference:

1. Jepson eFlora (2013) M. bellioides. Jepson Herbarium, U. of Cal.-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA.

http://ucjeps.berkel...IJM.pl?tid=4180

2. Flora of North America Online (2013) Monoptilon, vol. 20, pp. 20. FNA. New York & Oxford. http://www.efloras.o...taxon_id=121087

 

Equipment [Nikon D300-broadband + Nikon 105mm f/4.5 UV-Nikkor]

 

Visible Light [f/11 for 1/250" @ ISO 200 with onboard Flash and Baader UVIR-Block Filter]

 

Ultraviolet Light [f/11 for 1/250" @ ISO 400 with SB-14 UV-modified Flash and Baader UV-Pass Filter]