Diplacus aurantiacus, the sticky monkey-flower or orange bush monkey-flower, is a flowering plant that grows in a subshrub form, native to western North America from southwestern Oregon south through Northern and Central California. It is a member of the lopseed family, Phrymaceae, and was formerly known as Mimulus aurantiacus.

Description

Diplacus aurantiacus grows up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall, has deep green, sticky leaves 3 to 7 centimeters long and up to a centimeter broad and flowering stems that grow vertically. despite a phenolic resin in the leaves which deter its feeding. This resin also helps the plant retain water in dry environments. It is often grown under glass in temperate zones.

In the UK it has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Traditional Native American medical plant

The Miwok and Pomo Native Americans used the plant to treat minor ailments such as sores, burns, diarrhea, and eye irritation. They used the colorful flowers for decorative purposes.

Ecology

Diplacus aurantiacus supports multiple species of caterpillars, including the Variable Checkerspot, and also supports hummingbirds.

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File:Mimulus aurantiacus-1.jpg|Side view of flowers

File:Mimulus aurantiacus-4.jpg|Bright orange flowers

File:Wildmimuluswildcatcanyon2019.jpg|In Wildcat Canyon park.

File:Mimulus aurantiacus kz6.jpg|Detail of flowers

File:Diplacus aurantiacus Briones.jpg|Bush can spread over a large area

File:Diplacus aurantiacus Briones 2.jpg|At Briones Regional Park.

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References

  • Mimulus aurantiacus. CalFlora.
  • USDA Plants profile for Diplacus aurantiacus. USDA PLANTS.
  • ITIS−Integrated Taxonomic Information System: Diplacus aurantiacus. Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
  • Mimulus aurantiacus. CalPhotos.