This site is no longer maintained and has been left for archival purposes
Text and links may be out of date
INDIAN PAINTBRUSH
There are many species of Indian paintbrush (genus Castilleja), which are difficult to tell apart. They are found on roadsides and in dry, open soil. The plants typically are 10-40 cm high and bear conspicuous "flowering" heads, but the colour is actually provided by the modified leaves (termed bracts) that surround the flowers. The flowers themsleves are usually pale coloured and inconspucuous.
All the paintbrushes seem to be hemiparasites, with poorly developed root systems. Soon after the seeds germinate, the young roots tap into the root system of another plant to gain water and mineral nutrients. Go to
desert blooms gallery? |
This site is no longer maintained and has been left for archival purposes
Text and links may be out of date