Rosulate symmetry on Cathedral Hill

Viola sacculus x petraea?

 We are rapidly approaching a year since I was lucky enough to go to Patagonia on a trip organized by Rod Haenni (in the stead of the NARGS trip Marcela Ferreyra had crafted which will finally take place in a few weeks). A few days into our trip we took the cable car once again to the top of "Cathedral Hill" (Cerro Catedral)--the stunning ski area near Bariloche. I had been here in February of 2001 with Nicola Ripley and dreamed of returning. Both visits was my first opportunity on both trips to see rosulate violas in Argentina. On the first trip, I saw them again at San Martin de los Andes. On my trip last year we saw them everywhere! Two species are common on top of Cerro Catedral--and what I believe is their hybrid (shown above)

Viola sacculus

This post is really just an excuse to show a few of the many pictures I took of V. sacculus--a violet I have only seen on Cerro Catedral. The shimmering white nosegay of blossoms around the trim rosettes is so distinctive and charming, I find it irresistible--especially in this Colorado autumn looking at a long winter ahead!

Viola sacculus

The reddish outline on the leaves shows up especially well in this shot. There were dozens of species of choice alpines on top of the mountain, but for me this violet is a stand out!

Viola sacculus

I have many more shots of this, but had to trot out a few...

Viola sacculus

Oh to be in Patagonia, now that North Temperate winter is setting in! Lucky devils who are headed there in a few weeks! You know who you are...