For many years, the Bush Monkey Flower was classified within the genus Mimulus and was part of the figwort family however, in the approximately, past 10 years, DNA sequencing has caused this plant to be reclassified from the Scrophulariaceae family and relocated to the Phrymaceae family and more specifically into the Diplacus genus. Apparently, this change has caused controversy among Plant Taxonomists and Botanists.

The Bush Monkey Flower is perennial, meaning that it lives for at least 2 plus years. Its growth habit is typically about 2-4 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. It is native to southwestern America including California and the northern reaches of Oregon as well as the southern reaches of Baja California. It blooms spring through fall and the flowers range in color from salmon, orange and bronze, to deep red. Some people say they can see a monkey’s face in the flower and hence the name.
The Bush Monkey Plant is a popular plant among gardeners due to bright and colorful appearance and its ease of maintenance. The fact that it requires little water and tolerates all types of soil is an additional plus. Its popularity was further demonstrated when the UK’s highly respected, Royal Horticulture Society, awarded the Bush Monkey plant their Award of Garden Merit.

Its merits were apparently also recognized by Native American Indians (the Kumeyaay, the Miwok and the Pomo peoples) as far back as 10,000 -12,000 years ago. They found the plant very valuable indeed and had many uses for it. All three of these Native American peoples had medicinal uses for this plant that included, among other things, using the leaves and roots in teas and poultices to treat ailments like diarrhea, fever and skin irritations. Crushed leaves were used for sores, burns and hemorrhages. The Pomo used the plants to make an eyewash that was apparently quite handy as their early dwellings were thought to be poorly ventilated and accumulated smoke and dust could certainly have irritated their eyes. Other references include using the plant in a steam bath to cure chest illnesses.
Diplacus Aurantiacus is also a valuable food source. Wikipedia reports that the leaves were eaten as a salad ingredient; the young stems were cooked as a vegetable and the leaves were also used as a salt substitute for cooking and flavoring meats.

It is also reported that Native American tribes, particularly in California, utilized the Bush Monkey Flower Plant for decorative purposes. Due to its abundance, the flowers were collected and woven into wreaths that were used for ceremonial purposes or simply added to women’s and children’s hair as adornments.

Written by: Jayme Mekis & Jon Richardson