Let’s talk about a rare species of wildflower, the Kelso Creek Monkeyflower.

Kelso Creek Monkeyflower

The world is full of wonder, and one of them is the rare species of wildflower, Kelso Creek Monkeyflower. The Mimulus shevockii, also known as the Kelso Creek Monkeyflower. It is actually a rare species of monkey flower. The species is native to the southern Sierra Nevada, Kern County, California. Beautiful wildflowers grow in Joshua tree forests and on alluvial soils in dry washes. The species is an annual herb. It is about 10 centimeters tall and has a thin, red stem. The oval leaves can be around 1 centimeter long.

The base of the flower is usually tubular and surrounded by red sepals. A narrow tubular throat can also be found on the flower and a wider face that can measure around a centimeter long. The corolla of the flower is divided into a maroon upper lip and a wider yellow lower lip. Sometimes the plant can hybridize with Mimulus Andronicus.

Gender mimulus
Family Phrymaceae
Category Angiosperm
group of plants dicotyledonous

Some things about the genus Mimulus

The name “Mimulus” is derived from the ancient Greek term “mime.” The meaning of the term “mime” is simian. Many claim that the flowers of these plants look like monkey faces. Some botanists also claim that the name of these plants actually comes from the Greek term “memos,” which means “imitator.”

The plant is endemic to North America. This plant can be found in a wide variety of habitats and can be found from northern Mexico to California, along with western Canada.

Humid areas are the most suitable, but the plant can also adapt very well to drier environments.

Initially, the genus was placed in the family Scrophulariaceae. After some time, the plant became part of the Phrymaceae family. This family mainly comprises subshrubs and herbs.

There are a total of seven species that are part of this genus. Two of these species belong to North America. The rest of the species are endemic to Madagascar, Australia, Asia and Africa.

Some varieties of this species are grown for ornamental use. It is interesting to note that the Highland Red variety has received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Mimulus reportedly contains no toxic effects. The species is considered safe not only for humans but also for animals.

Most Mimulus species are actually edible. The entire plant is safe to consume. However, the plant is usually too bitter to eat, especially if you consume it raw. The leaves of the species are often included in salads.

The Mimulus plant was once used by Native Americans as a salt substitute for meat. The plant has a high concentration of salts, including sodium chloride.

Today, the plant is used in homeopathic treatments as it is considered useful in relieving stress and anxiety.

Native Americans have also often used the plant in medicines, as it is believed to have medicinal properties. It has also been made to be used as an ointment for wounds.

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Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn

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