Physaria acutifolia [Double Bladderpod]: B CR MA SA Y-FY

[Andrea B.]

Blum, A.G. (2013) Physaria acutifolia Rydberg. (Brassicaceae). Double Bladderpod. Flowers photographed in ultraviolet and visible light. http://www.ultraviol...ble-bladderpod/

 

Durango, Colorado, USA

Found on a steep hillside along Roosa Avenue next to which runs the Animas River.

04 May 2013

Wildflower

 

Synonyms:

• Sharpleaf Twinpod
• Rydberg's Twinpod

Comment:

The paired, inflated seedpods (not seen here) give this plant its common name and Physaria ("bladder") designation. The rounded leaves may be sharp-edged, but their most interesting characteristic is the stellate hairs around their leaf pores. I needed more magnification to bring this out, but have provided a small enlarged crop which indicates this hairy starburst. The flower's 4 petals exhibit an upper UV-signature typical of many mustards, but the lower surfaces of the petals are UV-black.

 

Reference:

1. Weber & Wittmann (2012) Physaria A. Gray, page 134. Colorado Flora: Western Slope, 4th Ed. The U. of Colo. Press, Boulder, CO.

 

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

 

Visible Light [f/11 for 1/1000" @ ISO 400 in Sunlight with Baader UVIR-Block Filter]

 

Ultraviolet Light [f/11 for 1/200" @ ISO 400 with SB-14 UV-modified Flash and Baader UV-Pass Filter]

 

Visible Light [f/11 for 1/1600" @ ISO 400 in Sunlight with Baader UVIR-Block Filter]

 

Detail from preceding showing the radial whorl of hairs around a leaf pit: