Collinsia

/kəˈlɪnziə/ noun

Definition

A genus of small herbaceous plants native to western North America, known for their delicate two-toned flowers.

Etymology

Named in honor of Zaccheus Collins, a 19th-century American botanist and naturalist. The Latinized '-ia' suffix follows taxonomic naming conventions for plant genera.

Kelly Says

Collinsia flowers are bizarrely shaped—they have upper and lower 'lips' in contrasting colors (like purple and white), making them look like tiny painted faces waiting in wildflower meadows.

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