Puccinia monoica 'Rust Fungus' infecting a Boechera sp. 'Rockcress'. When you first see this plant it looks like a pretty yellow flower especially at this time of year when there are very few flowers blooming yet. This plant has a rust fungus in the genus Puccinia, "Crucifers (Brassicaceae) in 11 genera are often infected by rust fungi in the Puccinia monoica complex. Infection causes a `pseudoflower' to form that is important for attracting insect visitors that sexually outcross the fungus. `Pollinator' attraction is accomplished through visual floral mimicry, the presence of a nectar reward and floral fragrances", Basidiomycota, Urediniomycetes, Uredinales, Pucciniaceae, 12 Mile Coulee, 0129April_29__2009