The world is full of astonishments, and one of them is the rare wildflower species, Kelso Creek Monkeyflower. The Mimulus shevockii, also known as the Kelso Creek Monkeyflower. is actually a rare species of monkeyflower. The species is native to the southern Sierra Nevada, Kern County, California. The beautiful wildflowers grow in Joshua tree woodlands and alluvial soils in dry washes. The species is an annual herb. It is around 10 centimeters tall, having a red, slender stem. The oval leaves may be of a length around 1 centimeter.
The base of the flower is often tubular and is enclosed in red sepals. One may also find a narrow tube throat in the flower, and a wider face which may be around a centimeter long. The corolla of the flower is divided into a maroon upper lip and a yellow-colored wider lower lip. Sometimes, the plant may hybridize with Mimulus Andronicus.
| Genus | Mimulus |
| Family | Phrymaceae |
| Category | Angiosperm |
| Plants group | Dicot |
A few things about the Genus- Mimulus
The name "Mimulus" is derived from the Ancient Greek term "mimo". The meaning of the term "mimo" is ape. Many states that the flowers of such plants look like monkey faces. A few botanists also state that the name of such plants actually originates from the Greek term "memos" which refers to "imitator."
The plant is endemic to North America. One can find this plant in a myriad of habitats and can be found in northern Mexico to California, along with western Canada.
Moist areas are the most suitable, but the plant can very well adapt to dryer environments too.
Initially, the genus was placed in the family of Scrophulariaceae. It was after some time that the plant was placed under the Phrymaceae family. This family comprises mostly sub-shrubs and herbs.
There are a total of seven species that are a part of this genus. Two of these species belong to North America. The rest of the species are endemic to Madgascar, Australia, Asia, and Africa.
A few varieties of this species are cultivated for ornamental uses. It is interesting to note that the Highland Red variety has been conferred with the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
As per reports, the Mimulus contains no toxic effects. The species is held safe for not only humans but for animals as well.
Most of the Mimulus species are actually edible. The complete plant is safe to consume. However, the plant is often too bitter to eat, especially if you are consuming it raw. The leaves of the species are oftentimes included in salads.
The Mimulus plant was once used as a salt substitute for meat by the Native Americans. The plant has a great concentration of salts including sodium chloride.
Today, the plant is made to use in homeopathy treatments, as it is considered helpful in alleviating stress and anxiety.
The plant has also been made to use oftentimes by Native Americans in medicines as it is believed to have medicinal properties. It has also been made to use as an ointment for wounds.