Calochortus Macrocarpus is a species of flowering plant native to California. The spelling of Calochortus is pronounced /ˌkæləˈkɔːrtəs/. The "ch" sounds like "k" as in "kangaroo", and the word stress falls on the second syllable. Macrocarpus is pronounced /məˈkroʊkɑːrpəs/. The word means "large-fruited" in Latin. The pronunciation of this word is spaced out, with the first syllable being less stressed and the last two syllables being stressed. This word is a combination of two Greek words, "macro" meaning large, and "carpos" meaning fruit.
Calochortus macrocarpus, commonly known as the Sagebrush Mariposa Lily, is a species of perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Liliaceae family. Native to western North America, it is primarily found in regions with a semi-arid climate, such as the Great Basin and Mojave Desert.
The Sagebrush Mariposa Lily is characterized by its attractive flowers, which grow on tall stalks reaching up to 40 centimeters in height. The flowers have three broad petals, often adorned with shades of white, cream, or pale pink, and feature spotty or splotchy patterns, resembling spots on a butterfly's wings, hence the name "Mariposa," which means butterfly in Spanish. The flowers also have a distinctive hairy or glandular coating on their petals.
The plant's foliage consists of long, narrow leaves that arise from the base of the stem and form a rosette. These leaves are typically blue-green or gray-green in color and have wavy or curled edges, adding to the plant's ornamental appeal.
Calochortus macrocarpus thrives in sandy or clay soils and can endure harsh environmental conditions. It is well-suited for growing in rock gardens, arid landscapes, or native wildflower gardens. However, it has a relatively short blooming period, typically occurring in late spring or early summer.
Due to its stunning flowers and ability to withstand challenging climates, Calochortus macrocarpus is often cultivated for ornamental purposes. It also plays a vital role in supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the overall ecosystem health and biodiversity of its native habitats.
The word "Calochortus" is derived from the Greek roots "kalos", meaning beautiful, and "chortos", meaning grass or pasture. "Macrocarpus" is also of Greek origin, combining "makros", meaning large, and "karpos", meaning fruit. Therefore, "Calochortus macrocarpus" can be loosely translated as "beautiful grass with large fruit". This name likely refers to the attractive flowers and relatively large fruits of the Calochortus macrocarpus plant.