No replies to this topic

[Andrea B.]

Blum, A.G. (2013) Phlox hoodii Richardson (Polemoniaceae) Hood's Phlox. Flowers photographed in visible and ultraviolet light. http://www.ultraviol...ii-hoods-phlox/

Mesa Verde National Park, Montezuma County, Colorado, USA
02 May 2013
Wildflower
Lat [N37°10'07.3"] Lon [W108°29'23.4"] Alt[approx2094m]

Synonyms:

• Carpet Phlox
  
• Spiny Phlox

Comment:
On the basis of the hairy calyces and dark green, hairy (somewhat cobwebby) leaves, I believe this to be P. hoodii. Its close cousin P. austromontana typically does not have hairy calyces, and its sparsely hairy leaves are a lighter green. However, there can be a great deal of confusion in differentiating between these two Phlox species and their subspecies both of which are found in Mesa Verde NP.

The corolla is moderately UV-reflective as compared to the UV-dark leaves and branches. There is a small UV-black eye in the center at the base of the petals.

Reference:
1. Weber & Wittmann (2012) Phlox, XXX page XXX. 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/8 for 1/125” @ ISO 400 with SB-14 UV-modified Flash and Baader UV-Pass Filter]