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Heckard's Indian paintbrush

Scientific Name: Castilleja montigena

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Heckard's Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja montigena)

Heckard's Indian Paintbrush, scientifically known as Castilleja montigena, is a captivating wildflower belonging to the genus Castilleja. The genus is commonly known as Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Castilleja montigena Heckard
  • Common Name: Heckard's Indian Paintbrush
  • Family: Orobanchaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)
  • Kingdom: (Not specified in the text, but implied as Plant)

The classification of Castilleja has undergone revisions. Originally placed in the Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family), it is now classified under Orobanchaceae. The text references several other Castilleja species and subspecies along with the authority "Chuang & Heckard" indicating their work on the taxonomy of this genus. Examples include: Castilleja brevistyla, Castilleja applegatei ssp. martinii, Castilleja tenuis, Castilleja exserta, Castilleja affinis ssp. neglecta, Castilleja pilosa, Castilleja campestris ssp. succulenta, Castilleja attenuata, Castilleja applegatei ssp. pinetorum, Castilleja miniata.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Castilleja montigena is described as a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • Showy Indian paintbrush species generally behave as biennials, forming a rosette one season and flowering the following spring.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The genus Castilleja contains about 200 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants native to the west of. North America.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Indian paintbrushes are known to interact with endomycorrhizal fungi which affects their growth and water absorption.
  • C. coccinea can form haustoria, specialized structures for penetrating and absorbing nutrients from other plants, however, the text does not specify if this is a characteristic of C. montigena.

Quirky Facts

  • The flowers of Indian paintbrush are edible and were consumed in moderation by various Native populations.
  • Indian paintbrush has a reputation for being unpredictable and transplanting may kill it.

Further Information

  • The text mentions several researchers who have studied Castilleja including Heckard, Chuang, Breedlove, and others.
  • The Jepson Manual is referenced as a source for information on Castilleja pilosa.