Calochortus striatus
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| Calochortus striatus Parish |
Calochortus striatus is a species of mariposa lily known by the common name alkali mariposa lily. It is native to California and Nevada where it grows in the Mojave Desert. This plant erects a stem usually only a few centimeters tall but sometimes quite a bit taller, and a long basal leaf which may lie flat on the ground. At least halfway up the stem it may branch, and atop each branch is a bell-shaped lily bloom. Pointed sepals form the base of the flower and above are three rounded petals, which may be slightly toothed. Each petal is two to three centimeters long and is very light to very dark pink or purplish with darker pink or purple veining or mottling. The cup of the flower is somewhat hairy. The anthers are bright to dull pink, with pink pollen. The capsule fruit is up to 5 centimeters long. This is a plant of alkaline soils in the desert scrub.
