Erythranthe lewisii
Erythranthe lewisii is a perennial plant in the family Phrymaceae. It is named in honor of explorer Meriwether Lewis. Together with other species in Erythranthe, it serves as a model system for studying pollinator-based reproductive isolation. It was formerly known as Mimulus lewisii.
Description
Erythranthe lewisii is a perennial herb, with stem length ranging from 25 to 80 cm and individual leaves ranging from 20 to 70 mm. The vegetative tissue is covered with fine hairs. The flowers are medium in size, set on fairly long pedicels, and range in color from pale pink to dark magenta, with a central pair of carotenoid-rich yellow nectar guides covered in trichomes on the lower lobe of the corolla. Occasional populations of white-flowered individuals are known.Taxonomy
Erythranthe lewisii was given it the scientific name Mimulus lewisii in 1813 by Frederick Traugott Pursh. It was moved to the genus Erythranthe in 2012 by Guy L. Nesom and Naomi Fraga. Together with its genus it is classified in the family Phrymaceae. It has no accepted varieties, but it has nine synonyms according to Plants of [the World Online].Distribution and habitat
Erythranthe lewisii is native to western North America from Alaska to California to Colorado, where it grows in moist habitat such as stream banks, and is generally found at higher elevations in montane areas.Pollination
Erythranthe lewisii is pollinated by bees, which feed off of its nectar and transfer its pollen. Although it is fully interfertile with its sister species, E. cardinalis, the two do not interbreed in the wild, a difference ascribed primarily to pollinator differences in areas of overlap.Uses
This plant is cultivated as an ornamental in mild or coastal areas, as it does not tolerate prolonged freezing. In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It prefers a very damp soil in full sunlight.Native Americans ate the leaves of the plant.