What's blooming now?, 
By Richard Cretcher

Flor de San Pedro has been in bloom just inside the gate at El Charco for several weeks. Yellow trumpetbush (the English common name) has been used for a variety of purposes in herbal medicine, including treatment of diabetes, digestive problems and yeast infections. The plant also contains several compounds noted for their catnip-like effects on felines. More importantly to our enjoyment, the striking trumpet flower is one of nature's best.

Duraznillo, one of the Spanish/Mexican common names for the yellow flower pictured here, comes from the peach scent of the bloom. Another name for this member of the potato, tomato and bell pepper family is malamujer, possibly as a result of a jab from the thorny stem when admirers try to smell the flower. The seed is spread as a burr that attaches to animals. The English common name is buffaloburr, coming from the fact that the seeds were transported over a wide area in the early US West in the fur and tails of buffalo.

Participants on the first wild flower walk at El Charco were able to identify 41 different species in a route on the west side, down to and along the gorge. The next walk on August 22 takes the path to the conservatory and then back along the presa. There should be more than 50 flowers on that route. For more information or to make a reservation, contact nzerriffi@yahoo.com.

Other wild flowers blooming now include pegamosca, mostacilla (arugula), palo dulce, and farolitos, all pictured in Flores Silvestres.