Lichens on rocks along the Wasson Peak trail. — Image by kenne
“Lichen is a composite organism consisting of a fungus (the mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner (the photobiont or phycobiont) growing together in a symbiotic relationship. The photobiont is usually either a green alga (commonly Trebouxia) or cyanobacterium (commonly Nostoc).”
When teaching children about lichen, Sabino Canyon Volunteer Nationalists (SCVN) share this short poem:
Cream Cup Wildflower (Platystemon californicus) — Image by kenne
This lovely wildflower often grows in the moist, sandy ground at the edges of desert washes.
These flowers are partly wind-pollinated and partly pollinated by solitary bees.
— kenne
Ocotillo Blossom — Image by kenne
— kenne
Phacelia crenulata Sonoran Desert Wildflower (March 15, 2019) — Image by kenne
The Phacelia crenulata is one of many very small (1/2 inch wide and have 5 round lobes) wildflowers that are common across the Sonoran Desert on rocky slopes and near washes. This image was taken along the Sweetwater trail in the Tucson Mountains, west of Tucson.
— kenne
Top of Wasson Peak In the Tucson Mountains — Image by kenne
— kenne
Blue Dicks Wildflower — Photo-Artistry by kenne
— Paulo Coelho
Desert Mariposa Lily with two Gold Poppies — Images by kenne
This is the time of year for some outstanding wildflower displays in the Tucson area, and we are having a banner year. The desert is quick to display its beauty after abundant rains we have experienced this winter.
— kenne
