Argentina & Chile November 2008 Day 6-Taltal - Antofagasta 300km

[David_L]

This example has really vibrantly coloured spines, and made a very nice clump indeed.


[attachment 16735 Copiapoa_rupestris2.jpg]

[David_L]

Another example of this plant.


[attachment 16736 Copiapoa_rupestris3.jpg]

[Mike P]

Just before we get on to the next plants here is a close up of the stream which flows forth from Minas Morgul...
[attachment 16737 d1.jpg]

[Mike P]

[attachment 16738 dd1.jpg]
And a lizard which dashed across in front of me and stayed long enough for me to almost focus on it.

[Mike P]

[attachment 16739 ddd1.jpg]
And finally Copiapoa krainziana.....

[Mike P]

And a close up. These were really stunning plants and one of the highlights of the trip for me. (After all the Opuntias of course.)
[attachment 16740 ddddd1.jpg]

[Mike P]

And the shot everyone takes.......
[attachment 16741 dddd1.jpg]

[Phil_SK]

...but without seeing that photo (I've not before) you'd never believe it was probably/possibly a cinerea form.

[Benjy]

Stunning Mike/David, its well worth the walk, Yes
The rupestris top of page is beautiful, and im glad you saw some soft white spined krainzianas.

Benjy

Notes on Copiapoa krainziana, that may be of interest :-
Another Copiapoa myth ive been trying to undo for years, is that the softest whitest krainzianas are not from higher altitudes,
the softer, smaller, krainzianas grow at around valley floor level,
The further you go in - The better they get.
Ive visited all 3 krainziana populations,
high up in the Northern sides of San Ramon,and high up on the Southern, Mount Perales side,
The best krainzianas were the lowest.

[David_L]

Can't resist another 'old fashioned shaving brush' picture of Copiapoa krainziana. It's interesting that the affinities of krainziana and cinerea can clearly been seen when the soft upper spines are absent. What happens to them lower down? Do they wear away some how?


[attachment 16742 Copiapoa_krainziana3.jpg]