Many of the rocks in the Organ Mountains were covered with colorful lichens. They were often growing on the northern side of the rocks where they receive a little less sun and retain a little more moisture. These organisms are not plants, they are a symbiotic combination of fungi and algae (the fungi give the organism its shape and store water, the algal cells photosynthesize and produce food for the organism. Lichens produce mild acids that help break down rock and eventually make new soil.
Las Cruces, NM (Dripping Springs NA) Oct. 7, 2008 This is a common western wildflower, I have seen it in during our trips to Colorado and Utah.
Las Cruces, NM Oct. 7, 2008 The species name cardiophylla means "heart-leafed". These flowers looked pretty along with the small red-flowered morning glories.
