Rainiera - Monotypic Genus

Day 301: The genus Rainiera has but one species in it, i.e., it is a monotypic genus, Rainiera stricta its solitary member. As one might guess from the name, it is particularly associated with Mount Rainier, but does occur as far north as Stevens Pass and south into Oregon. For as common as it is in the Sunrise area, one might find it hard to believe that it falls among plants whose conservation is a matter of concern globally. Indeed, in autumn it seems to dominate the slopes along the upper Sunrise Road. Within Washington or Oregon, it is designated "SNR" or "no status rank," indicating that here we have a healthy population. Formerly known as Luina stricta, Rainiera is distinct from Luina (Silverback). It bears the common names of "False Silverback."