COLORADO WILD FLOWERS 



27 



Fig. 27. — Red Orpine (Clementsia rhodanlha) 

 One of the most interesting sub-alpine plants is here figured. It has fleshy stem 

 and leaves and dark red flowers. The plants grow along streams and in marshy places. 

 When found in dry soil they are small and dwarfed, having the appearance of alpine plants, 

 well shown by the smaller specimen in the drawing. The dwarfing is due to dryness, 

 not to altitude (i. c, cold climate), as is shown by the fact that both the ordinary form and 

 the "alpine form" may occur at the same altitude. The name Clementsia was given to 

 this plant in honor of Professor Frederic E. Clements, a distinguished botanist who has 

 made important studies in Colorado. 



