Desert Biodunecologist Steve Brooks along with Dunecologist Chuck Mobley came across this interesting find in our dunes last week.

They are calling it:
Fatuous Okra Oleaginous Larkspur
(FOOL)
The brightly colored plants were found at the leeward side of a small dune just inside the small central closure.
There appeared to be an oleaginous to the leaves. This was not, at the time of discovery, to be known if it was a natural occurrence or if it was caused by the years of OHV's coming in contact within the region. The one version (the smaller dead appearing plant) wasn't dead at all but was brimming with life! The greener version of the plant seems to be the female and the older (dead looking) seems to be the male version.
We will not post the GPS coordinates at this time for fear that some "Eco-wacko" would want to come out to this spot and tear it from the earth. If I can get some reassurance from the left that my new plant find is safe, we will post the GPS location so that more of you can enjoy it. It is just a small 'hike' into the closure.
We plan on subsequent trips to the dunes to check on this "New" plant life. We will be monitoring the growth of the male version, and if it has had a chance to pollinate the female plant.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Steve Brooks

Member D.U.N.E.R.

Director: Glamis DRP (Duner Recovery Program)
Self appointed leader of DRP whom are going to 'take back' from the bio-degenerates our sand this year.
With a Ph.D. in 'Biodunecology'
(believe it-University of SWM-2001)

For picture click on below

http://www.americansandassociation.org/php...pic.php?t=10248

I somehow up loaded it?

[ 01-24-2003, 08:11 PM: Message edited by: sandOBSESSED ]

IT IS ALIVE OBSESSED, IT IS ALIVE...

I am so worried about our find, that I feel I must go back and check them soon.

Has the male version had a chance to inseminate the female yet?

Will cross-pollination occur with the non-native plants in the area?

Will the seed pods drop?

Will there be enough water in the dunes this year to replicate this plant?

Or will the absence of OHV's harm in it's reproduction?

These are questions that beg to be answered by 'Bio-Dunecologist' Like Chuck and Myself.

Cathy (my wife) played a big part in the find, her keen awareness of the dune eco-system has made me forever indebted to her for helping in the find. It is she that is most fearful of desert terrorists from the CBD and others that want to harm the oleaginous dune plants. So only with her permission will I post the GPS location. I must submit a request form (#469) to her for approval before that will happen.
More later.

Steve

[ 01-26-2003, 10:39 AM: Message edited by: sandOBSESSED ]

You guys are too funny, I saw that freakin thing when I was out at super bowl weekend. I saw that and I seriously shat myself.