Harlequin monkeyflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harlequin monkeyflower |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Diplacus
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| Species: |
whitneyi
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| Synonyms | |
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The Harlequin monkeyflower (Diplacus whitneyi) is a type of monkeyflower. It gets its name from its colorful flowers, much like a harlequin's costume! This plant was once known by a different name, Mimulus lewisii.
Where It Lives
The Harlequin monkeyflower is a special plant because it is endemic to a specific place. This means it is only found in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California. You can often spot it near the famous Mount Whitney area.
This plant likes to grow in places where the ground is bare or has been disturbed. This includes rocky slopes, also called talus slopes, and along the sides of roads. It's tough enough to grow in these challenging spots!
What It Looks Like
The Harlequin monkeyflower is a small plant, growing up to about 14 centimeters (about 5.5 inches) tall. Its leaves are shaped like ovals or long, thin lines, and they can be up to 2.3 centimeters (about 1 inch) long.
The flower has a tube-like base. This base is covered by a dark, ribbed sepals. These sepals are like small, hairy leaves that protect the flower bud. The sepals have pointed tips.
The colorful part of the flower, called the corolla (which is made of the petals), is usually between 1 and 2 centimeters long. It can be either pink or yellow. Inside the flower's opening, you'll often see stripes running lengthwise, adding to its unique look.
