Claret cup hedgehog (c1 3 of 3)

Description:

Echinocereus mojavensis (Engelm. & J.M. Bigelow) Rumpler. See comments at end regarding taxonomy. Fleshly opened flowers, stigma lobes still closed and just barely starting to open, despite blue skies and a day that turned out to be record setting for the area (90 degree high), and plant having full sun exposure.First of only three clumps in area which pollinators may not be finding and/or which invasive/non-native cheatgrass, Dalmatian toadflax, and Alyssum may be outcompeting. Stigma lobes closed and not opening until after noon. No pollinators observed. Plants are believed to be hummingbird pollinated.May 15, 2012, at or near the northernmost point of distribution of the species in the Wasatch mountains of northern Utah.Taxonomy notes:The most widespread hedgehog cactus in Utah has long gone under the name E. triglochidiatus but despite that name having been used again and again in Utah related flora and plant guides, as presently understood, E. triglochidiatus does not in fact occur in Utah (or if it does, barely in the southeastern corner of the state, as a separate/different species the name E. triglochidiatus is therefore also not a synonym for what occurs in Utah, and so should not be used in reference to this species whatsoever). The specific epithet is now confusing and somewhat of a misnomer, but the priority system of taxonomy requires that "mojavensis" be used.