Nov 2, 2011
The Atacama desert of Chile ranks as one of the driest regions on Earth, with many regions receiving less than a millimeter of rainfall per year. However, in July 2011, several heavy rains -- which means a few millimeters-- fell in the lowlands with up to a meter of snow blanketing parts of the mountains. The result: spectacular flowers. Photos courtesy of Sonia Montecinos (CEAZA), flower ID by Sonia and Art Shapiro (UC Davis).
"Pata de Guanaco," Cistanthe longiscapa
Añañuca amarilla, Rhodophiala bagnoldii
Terciopelo (which means "velvet") or Cartucho, Argylia radiata (Bignoniaceae)