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Scientific Name: Streptanthus tortuosus Common Name: Mountain Jewelflower or Shieldleaf Family: Mustard Color: Reddish purple Description: Emerging from the reddish-purple calyx are four delicate, narrow, white and reddish-purple petals. More noticeable are the large, shield-shaped leaves which are bright yellow or green, but turn a shiny maroon as the flower matures. Habitat: Drying, rocky flats. Edibility: The seeds of all mustards can be dried and used as seasoning, but large doses can irritate the stomach lining. Medicinal uses: Mustards are diuretics and have also been used in the treatment of bronchitis. Comments: Both the genus name and species name allude to the twisting qualities of the flower and sepals. |