James’s saxifrage

Saxifraga jamesii Torrey, Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 2: 204. 1827; Boykinia jamesii (Torrey) Engler; Therofon jamesii (Torrey) Wheelock

Flowering stems 6-18 cm. Leaves: stipules of cauline leaves 1-1.5 mm; petiole 10-45 mm; blade 10-30 × 14-40 mm, succulent. Pedicels densely stipitate-glandular. Flowers: hypanthium free from ovary 1-2(-2.5) mm, campanulate to turbinate; sepals erect, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, 2-6 mm, apex usually acute; petals crimson-purple, orbiculate, (5-)7-11 × (2-)4-7 mm, lengths at least 1.75 times sepals, base contracted abruptly to claw 1-3 mm; stamens 2.4-3.7 mm; anthers obtuse; styles connate at least 3/4 their lengths. Capsules ovoid. Seeds 50-100. 2n = 14.

Flowering mid-late summer. Crevices of granitic rock faces and talus; 3000-3500 m; Colo., N.Mex.

The record of Telesonix jamesii from New Mexico is based on poor material and should be regarded as provisional. There is a report (J. G. Packer and D. H. Vitt 1974) of this species (or T. heucheriformis) from Laramie Mountain, Wyoming; no voucher specimens have been seen.