Downingia insignis
Encyclopedia
Downingia insignis is a species of flowering plant in the bellflower family
known by the common names harlequin calicoflower and cupped downingia. This showy wildflower is native to the western United States from California
to Idaho
, where it is a resident of lakesides and vernal pool
ecosystems. This annual grows on a branching erect stem with small, pointed leaves at intervals. At the top of each stem branch is one or more flowers, each one to one and a half centimeters wide. The upper lip is made up of two narrow, pointed lobes which are purple or blue with prominent dark veining. The lower lip is the same veined color with a central blotch of white. In the white area are two yellow spots, which are raised into nipplelike projections, and sometimes spots of darker purple near the mouth of the tube. The lower lip is divided into three lobes which may be pointed or rounded. The fruit is a capsule four to eight centimeters long. The stamen
s are fused into an erect stalk holding a light-colored anther.
Campanulaceae
The family Campanulaceae , of the order Asterales, contains about 2000 species in 70 genera of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and rarely small trees, often with milky non-toxic sap...
known by the common names harlequin calicoflower and cupped downingia. This showy wildflower is native to the western United States from California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
to Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
, where it is a resident of lakesides and vernal pool
Vernal pool
Vernal pools, also called vernal ponds or ephemeral pools, are temporary pools of water. They are usually devoid of fish, and thus allow the safe development of natal amphibian and insect species...
ecosystems. This annual grows on a branching erect stem with small, pointed leaves at intervals. At the top of each stem branch is one or more flowers, each one to one and a half centimeters wide. The upper lip is made up of two narrow, pointed lobes which are purple or blue with prominent dark veining. The lower lip is the same veined color with a central blotch of white. In the white area are two yellow spots, which are raised into nipplelike projections, and sometimes spots of darker purple near the mouth of the tube. The lower lip is divided into three lobes which may be pointed or rounded. The fruit is a capsule four to eight centimeters long. The stamen
Stamen
The stamen is the pollen producing reproductive organ of a flower...
s are fused into an erect stalk holding a light-colored anther.