"Petro" "phyton" is Latin for "rock" "plant" and "caespitosum" means "growing in clumps".

Canyons. Summer, fall.
Location not disclosed to protect the plants, April 1, 2004 and September 10, 2005.

In the photograph at left, last year's dried flowers are golden brown; this year's flower stalks have not yet begun to emerge.  When they do they will grow to about four inches long topped by a star burst of white.  

Rockmat roots emerge from moist cracks in shallow overhangs and alcoves; the plant hangs precariously, often forming balls around its own or other plants' roots.  This is a very lovely and exotic plant that is always a thrill to find.

Canyons. Summer, fall.
Location not disclosed to protect the plants, April 14, 2004.

The top of this two foot long plant is attached to the rock wall; the rest of the plant swings gently in a breeze. 

Canyons. Summer, fall.
Location not disclosed to protect the plants, September 10, 2005.

Canyons. Summer, fall.
Location not disclosed to protect the plants, April 1, 2004.

Where there's a seep of water, life clings.  Each of those dark spots running from left to right through the center of the photograph is a Petrophyton caespitosum about a foot in diameter.