Colorado Wild Flowers

MUSEUM PICTORIAL
ROBERTS
Copyright 1953, by Denver Museum of Natural History, Denver, Colorado
Lithographed in the United States of America by Bradford-Robinson Printing Company, Denver, Colorado
Flowers, closely arranged along a tall woody bloom stalk, are each formed by 6 petals and sepals (perianth segments) surrounding a large fleshy pistil. The 3 outer segments often have mahogany brown shading on the back, the 3 inner are creamy white, or greenish white. They look like drooping bells in the daytime, but spread to a total width of 3 to 4 inches when fully open in late evening. Pollination is accomplished only by the deliberate work of a Pronuba moth. Total height of plant, including blossom stalk, is about 4 feet; leaves narrow, stiff and yellowish green, with a sharp spine at tip. Grows on plains, particularly in sandy areas, and extends into foothills. Blooms June-July.
By Harold and Rhoda Roberts
The generous acceptance of the first seven numbers of MUSEUM PICTORIAL convinced the Trustees of the Denver Museum of Natural History that the publication is filling a definite need in the field of natural history reports. The subjects are so varied that a wealth of material is available.
The present issue is the first printed in color, and will, we hope, be followed by others. The authors, Harold and Rhoda Roberts, probably are the foremost photographers of wild flowers of Colorado and the Southwest. This field work has carried them from the tops of the highest mountains of Colorado to the depths of Death Valley. Their outstanding Kodachrome slides have been shown to many audiences and have appeared in publications. It is hoped that Museum Pictorial No. 8 will be the first of a series on Colorado wild flowers by the authors, which may eventually be compiled into book form.
Harold Roberts, prominent Denver attorney, is a Trustee of the Museum, and chairman of its Building Committee.
Alfred M. Bailey, Director
Museum Pictorial No. 8