Friday, April 20, 2012

R is for....


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   Today I have a couple of hardy souls. Both grow in limestone with very little soil. The first one is "Rock Rose" Pavonia lasiopetala. Despite the name this little flower is not a member of the rose family, it is a close relative of the hibiscus family. It naturally grows in the crevices of limestone and the dry areas of the Edwards Plateau, West Texas and south Texas. But the wildlife and cattle like it so much, that it is easier to find it transplanted into gardens. The drought tolerance and long bloom times make it a popular choice. This plant blooms from February all the way through November.

Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center

   The next one is "Rock Daisy" Perityle lindheimeri. There are 15 varieties of "Rock Daises" in Texas that grow on the limestone cliffs, only one variety grows in dirt. The "Lindheimer's Rock Daisy" grows on the cliffs in the Edward's Plateau and blooms off and on through out the year, from April through September.


Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center