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2779 - AlpenPix (Wild) - 2010-12-03 (Dimension: 2318 x 1762 pixels - Counter: 5644) Claytonia megarhiza Locality: USA - Colorado - East side of Hoosier Pass, Summit County, Colorado in a talus field at elevation 12,500 feet. Photographer: Jane Hendrix Note: True to its common name, Bigroot Spring Beauty does have a huge, long taproot. It may appear to be getting its sustenance from these bare roots, but beneath the rubble, C. megarhiza's root delves deep into moist, fertile soil. A small plant of just 6 inches in diameter may have a 3-foot-long taproot! It's main bloom time is late June to mid-July but it can still be found in bloom in late snowbeds in August. (Sent: Alpine-l@nic.surfnet.nl) (Click on the picture to enlarge) |