Single-flowered mariposa lily facts for kids

The Calochortus monanthus, also known as the single-flowered mariposa lily or Shasta River mariposa lily, was a beautiful flowering plant. It belonged to the lily family. This plant was only found in northern California, meaning it was endemic to that area.

Sadly, this special lily is now thought to be extinct. This means it has completely disappeared from Earth. It was only ever seen and recorded once, over 100 years ago. No one has found it since then.

What Was the Single-Flowered Mariposa Lily?

This rare plant was first found by a botanist named Edward Lee Greene. He collected the only known sample in June 1876. He found it in a meadow next to the Shasta River. This area is near Yreka in Siskiyou County, California.

What Did the Shasta River Mariposa Lily Look Like?

The Calochortus monanthus had a stem that did not branch out. It grew a single, upright, bell-shaped flower. This flower sat on a long stalk called a peduncle.

The flower had three sepals, which are like small leaves that protect the flower bud. These sepals were about 4 centimeters long. It also had three petals. Each petal was between 4 and 5 centimeters long and had a slightly toothed edge. The petals were a pretty pink color. They also had a dark red spot at the bottom of each petal.