Copper in the sand

Photos by Ned Harris 8/3/2012

Go out early to catch a glimpse of these beauties. Flowers close by mid-morning.There are a number of plants in the sand by the dam and the dam bridge. I like the name Copper Purslane (Portulaca suffrutescens) best, but they are also - and better - known as Shrubby Purslane. (Portulaca = carries milk; suffrutescens = somewhat shrubby)
A great online resource for flowers is Southeastern Arizona Wildflowers (aka Firefly forest).
A great online resource for botanical Latin is the Botanary of Dave's Garden.