About Downingia insignis Greene
Downingia insignis Greene is an annual plant that grows a branching, erect stem, with small, pointed leaves spaced at intervals along the stem. One or more flowers grow at the tip of each stem branch; each flower measures 1 to 1.5 centimeters wide. The flower's upper lip consists of two narrow, pointed lobes, which are purple or blue with prominent dark veining. The lower lip shares the same veined color as the upper lip, and has a central white blotch. Within this white area there are two yellow spots, which form raised, nipple-like projections; sometimes there are also darker purple spots near the mouth of the flower tube. The lower lip is split into three lobes that can be either pointed or rounded. The stamens are fused into an erect stalk that holds a light-colored anther. The fruit this plant produces is a capsule 4 to 8 centimeters long.
