LOASA FAMILY 161 



rowly lanceolate, and the pubescence more dense, these 

 changes doubtless being due to its more arid habitat. V. nut- 

 tallii Pursh., has been reported. If found, it may be distin- 

 guished from the above species by its ample foliage and 

 glabrous, oval capsule. 



4. V. lobata Benth. Stems 3 to 12 in. high, from branching 

 rootstocks. Herbage grayish, glabrous or minutely pubescent. 

 Leaves very various, heart-shaped, triangular, or fan-shaped, 

 deeply parted (nearly entire in var. integrifolia Wats.), 1 to 

 5 in. wide. Petals yellow, the upper often brownish or pur- 

 plish, Yi in. or less long, the spur short and round. 



The peculiarly lobed leaves, bright green above but pale 

 beneath, distinguish this species from all others. It inhabits 

 open forests of the Yellow Pine Belt, always growing in fairly 

 dry soil. One finds it especially common along the Wawona 

 and Hog Ranch roads. 



5. V. glabella Nutt. Smooth Yellow Violet. Stems 6 to 

 18 in. high, from rootstocks. Herbage green, usually glabrous. 

 Leaves heart-shaped, shallowly toothed, 1 to 4 in. broad. 

 Petals yellow, veined with brown, y 2 in. long, the spur short 

 and rounded. 



The thin, green foliage, devoid of hairy or other covering, 

 marks this violet as a shade-loving plant. It grows along 

 streams and in similarly moist places, nearly always in partial 

 shade, where its broad leaves are spread out in such a manner 

 as to receive the full benefit of the subdued light. Although 

 of wide general distribution it is rather rare in our district 

 but it has been found at Chinquapin, at Peregoys, and in the 

 Mariposa Grove. 



LOASACEAE. Loasa Family. 

 Rough-hairy herbs with alternate leaves and no stipules. 

 Flowers regular. Petals 5. Stamens numerous, inserted with 

 the petals on the throat of the calyx. Capsule 1-celled, many 

 seeded, crowned with the persisting calyx-lobes. 



1. MENTZELIA. 



1. M. dispersa Wats. Stems erect, usually 12 to 18 in. 

 high, from an annual root. Leaves lanceolate, oblong, or the 

 upper ovate, toothed or entire, 1 to 3 in. long, very rough. 

 Flowers yellow, sessile in the axils of leaf-like bracts. Petals 

 less than % in. long. Capsule linear, y 2 to % in. long. 



The brittle, white-barked stems and clinging leaves best 

 mark this plant. It is very plentiful in warm, sandy soil but 



