Diplacus pictus is a species of monkeyflower known by the common name calico monkeyflower.[2][3][4][5][6]
The wildflower is endemic to California, found only above the southeastern San Joaquin Valley within Kern County and Tulare County.[2]
It is known only from the western Tehachapi Mountains and southernmost Sierra Nevada foothills, at elevations of 135–1,250 metres (443–4,101 ft).[2][7][8] It grows in open California oak woodland habitat, in bare rocky soils around granite outcrops.[2][7]
It is a listed Endangered species on the California Native Plant Society Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants.[9]
Diplacus pictus is a small annual herb growing from 2–38 centimetres (1–15 in) in height.[7]
The stem is hairy and rectangular in cross-section. The oppositely arranged leaves are somewhat oval in shape and up to 4.5 centimeters long.
The tubular base of the flower is encapsulated in a dark reddish calyx of sepals with uneven lobes. The five-lobed flower has a maroon throat and the circular face is white with bold and intricately patterned purple-brown veining.[7] The bloom period varies from March to May.[7]
Diplacus pictus is a species of monkeyflower known by the common name calico monkeyflower.
