Western Dayflower (Commelina dianthifolia) On Mt. Lemmon (August 2017) — Image by kenne
This deciduous perennial forb lacks nectar-producing glands, an adaptation that conserves energy. Still, the colorful pedals and prominent anthers and stamen lure sugar-hungry pollinators, whom inevitably come up empty handed. However, this trait is enough to allow cross pollination to occur between flowers. Its habitat is mainly cooler regions ranging from 3000 to 10,000′ in elevation.
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