Mariposa tulip

Mariposa Tulip is a common name for several species of flowering plants in the genus Calochortus, family Liliaceae. These plants are native to western North America, and are particularly abundant in California, where they are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

Description

Mariposa tulips are perennial herbs that grow from bulbs. They typically reach a height of 30-60 cm, with a single, erect stem. The leaves are basal, linear to lanceolate, and grass-like. The flowers are solitary or in few-flowered clusters, with three large, petal-like sepals and three smaller, inner petals. The flowers are often brightly colored, with a wide range of hues including white, yellow, pink, purple, and red. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.

Species

There are approximately 70 species of Mariposa tulips, including:

• Calochortus albus (White Mariposa Lily)
• Calochortus catalinae (Catalina Mariposa Lily)
• Calochortus clavatus (Clubhair Mariposa Lily)
• Calochortus kennedyi (Desert Mariposa Lily)
• Calochortus venustus (Butterfly Mariposa Lily)

Habitat and Distribution

Mariposa tulips are found in a variety of habitats, from coastal scrub and chaparral to woodland and forest. They are particularly associated with serpentine soils, which are high in heavy metals and low in nutrients. The majority of species are endemic to California, but the range of the genus extends north to British Columbia, east to Utah and Arizona, and south to Baja California.

Cultivation

Mariposa tulips are popular in cultivation for their showy flowers. They are best grown in well-drained soil, in full sun to light shade. The bulbs should be planted in the fall, at a depth of about three times their diameter. They require a dry summer dormancy period, and should be watered sparingly or not at all during this time.

Conservation

Several species of Mariposa tulips are considered rare or endangered, due to habitat loss and over-collection. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting existing populations and restoring habitat.

References

• Flora of North America (2002). Calochortus. Oxford University Press.
• Jepson Manual (2012). Calochortus. University of California Press.

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