16 



FLORA OF MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK. 



The ovate-leaved salal, Gaultheria ovatifolia, occurs here among the 

 moss. It is much smaller than its lowland relative and lies closer 

 to the ground with its zigzag stem, ovate leaves, and small white 

 urn-shaped flowers. These plants will leave a photograph of them- 

 selves on white paper when pressed, thus showing the presence of oil. 

 In case of a forest fire both species of these plants take fire readily 

 because of their oily nature and do much to increase the rapidity of 



Fig. 11. — Twin-flower (Linnaea amcricana.) 



Color of flower, pink; plant trailing on the ground, etc.; blooms July and August. 



Photograph by A. II. Denman. 



the fire over the forest cover. They burn with an explosive crackling 

 sound. 



The twin-flower, Linnaea americana (fig. 11), is one of the most 

 dainty and graceful of our trailing vines. Trailing vines are rather 

 rare in this region as are plants with much fragrance. This plant 

 can be detected by its odor long before it is seen. It has two graceful, 

 pink bell-shaped flowers near the end of each branch. These vines 

 grow in radiating fines and its connection with the honeysuckle 

 family can be seen both by its creeping stems and its fragrance. This 

 plant is named in honor of Linnaeus, the great Swedisli botanist. 

 It has a wide range extending across the continent. Locally, it 

 extends from sea level to about 4,000 feet, reaching its highest devel- 

 opment about 2,800 feet. 



