Mimulus discolor
Mimulus palmeri
Mimulus purpureus
Mimulus shevockii
The study of plant diversity aids in conservation of the native biota, and has proven extremely valuable in documenting changes in our environment over time. Our basic knowledge of plant species, however, remains exceedingly meager. The study of biodiversity to inform conservation efforts is especially relevant in areas with high levels species diversity and endemism, such as western North America. The genus of flowering plants known as Mimulus (Phrymaceae) is particularly diverse in western North America, with 75% of the total number of species in the genus represented here. At least 52 species of Mimulus are currently listed by government agencies and native plant societies as sensitive, rare, or endangered, making Mimulus a group of conservation concern. However, species delimitation and taxonomic relationships in Mimulus remain unclear, with 90 to 120 species recognized. In addition, many previously recognized rare species have been lumped in with more common species. Resolving taxonomic issues, and identifying the basic units of diversity, namely species, must first happen before conservation measures can be established. Once we have identified the units of diversity we seek to conserve, we must then acquire a basic knowledge of natural history processes for conservation efforts to be effective.
My dissertation research focuses on a group of twelve species in the genus Mimulus, referred to here as the "Mimulus palmeri clade". The Mimulus palmeri clade is well supported and notable for including several species with highly restricted ranges, wide variation in floral morphology, and problems with species delimitation . For example, the M. montioides species complex is a highly polymorphic group that includes taxa that exhibit bicolored floral patterns, flower color polymorphisms, and variable nectar guides. Fieldwork and examination of herbarium specimens have revealed two undescribed species that have been traditionally included in M. montioides. These undescribed species differ from M. montioides s.s. markedly with respect to floral form and ecological preferences. In this study I will employ field observations in combination with a molecular study, to gain a better understanding of species boundaries, species relationships, and breeding systems within the Mimulus palmeri clade.
Poster