[Wikipedia] Etymology, Adaptation to Serpentine Soils: Diplacus douglasii is a species of monkeyflower known by the common names brownies and purple mouse ears. It is native to the mountains and foothills of California and Oregon, where it is often found on serpentine soils.[1] D. douglasii was first described in a published flora by George Bentham,[1] an English botanist who was considered "the premier systematic botanist of the nineteenth century,.[2]" It was later described by Asa Gray, the father of North American botany. Growing on serpentine soils, it has adaptations to survive conditions most plants can't tolerate. Serpentine soils are known to be deficient in essential nutrients for plants. In addition to being low in essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur, serpentine soils also have high levels of magnesium and heavy metals including nickel, cobalt and chromium, which are toxic to most plants.[12] (link added by Mary Ann Machi)