Diplacus mohavensis (Lemmon) G.L.Nesom

Growth Form

Diplacus mohavensis is a small, hairy annual herb that grows at ground level, or can grow erect to a maximum height of about 10 centimeters.

Leaf Arrangement and Shape

Its oppositely arranged leaves are narrow oval in shape, and reach less than 3 centimeters in length.

Herbage Coloration

Its leafy herbage is typically colored reddish green to red-purple.

Flower Calyx Structure

The tiny flower has a tubular base, which is enclosed by a hairy, ribbed calyx made of red sepals with pointed lobes.

Corolla Structure

The flower has a flat face with five rounded, equal lobes.

Flower Coloration

The bases of the corolla lobes are pink with dark veins, and their edges are white.

Bloom Period

This species blooms between April and June.

Species Endemic Range

This plant is endemic to San Bernardino County, California, and is only found in the Mojave Desert.

Local Distribution and Habitat

It has been recorded at several locations in and around Barstow, where it often grows in gravelly, sandy habitats such as arroyos.

Range Change History

Its historical range was larger than its current range, and many of its former occurrences have been extirpated.

Population Variation Drivers

Its population size and abundance vary, and this variation is likely dependent on annual rainfall amounts.