Images
Check out what I got in the mail today! Now I’m all set to start hiking Class 3’s. My goal is to complete an easy one by the end of the year. Now to figure out which one I should attempt first?
Mountain Mahogany
Mountain Mahogany, Cercocarpus ledifolius, or curl-leaf
Mountain Mahogany, is not a true mahogany.
This shrubby, slow-growing tree belongs in the Rosaceae, or rose family;
the common name derives from the dense, heavy wood of this tree, which sinks in
water; additionally, the leaves tend to curl. The scientific name for the genus
is Greek and means “tailed fruit.”
The flower consists of a small tan tube from which protrudes
a long, plumelike style covered in luxuriant tan hairs. The flowers are
arranged inflorescenses of up to 3. The fruit is a hairy achene one
half to just over one centimeter (0.2-0.4 inches) long. This plant grows on low
mountains and slopes.
It has a great many medicinal uses for various Native
American groups. I captured this image
on MM2 of the Barr Trail, descending from Pikes Peak.
The Salomon’s worked perfectly! First trip up Pikes Peak and down. Here I am resting at Barr Camp before finishing the trail. Notice I have a new hiking pole as well?
Wild Wanderer 