35 2 



POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



soms, marked with purple ; while the Listera, or northern tway- 

 blade, may be distinguished by the stout oval leaves, clasping the 



low stem, and the downy 

 raceme of tiny purplish 

 flowers. 



None of the above-men- 

 tioned orchids are parasit- 

 ic; but there are at least 

 two indigenous species 

 which draw their nourish- 

 ment from other plants. 

 One is the well-known 

 "coral root" (Corallorrhi- 

 za), so called on account 

 of the fleshy rootstocks, 

 which resemble branches 

 of white coral. There are 

 several varieties, inhabit- 

 ing dry spots in mountain 

 forests all over the State. 

 Both flowers and stems are 

 of shaded browns and yel- 

 lows, and the plants readi- 

 ly escape detection, as they 

 are so nearly the color of 

 the surrounding dry weeds 

 and grasses. 



The other parasitic orchid is the Cephalanthera Or eg ana, a 

 northern species of especial interest, suggesting the " corpse 

 plant " or " Indian pipe " of the Eastern woods. It is wholly des- 

 titute of green leaves, and the stems and flowers are of a pure 

 glistening white, somewhat startling in their unique beauty. 

 Like the epipactus, it prefers the neighborhood of forest streams 

 and hides itself in the shrubbery. 



All along the banks of the foaming Sacramento there grows, 

 as though planted by a landscape gardener, the giant saxifrage 

 (Saxifraga peltata), locally known as the " umbrella plant," and 

 also as the "Indian's rhubarb," certain portions of the plant 

 being edible. Its generic name signifies " rock-breaker," as it is 

 said to disintegrate the rocks from the clefts of which it springs. 

 The graceful stalks, often a yard in length, are terminated by 

 scalloped, circular leaves a foot or more in diameter, which 

 resemble small parasols or umbrellas inverted by the wind. 

 Though highly attractive in the spring and summer, they are 

 especially ornamental in the autumn, when their clear, green 

 tints are changed to yellows and russets. The clusters of small 



CALIFORNIA PITCHER PLANT. 



