What is a Sticky Monkey Flower?
Sticky monkey flower, scientifically known as Diplacus aurantiacus, is a resilient and vibrant native California shrub. Its name comes from the tubular flowers, which are thought to resemble a grinning monkey's face, and the notably resinous, sticky leaves. This evergreen plant thrives in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, chaparral, and coastal scrub, and plays a vital role in its ecosystem by attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. While its ecological importance is well-documented, its potential for human consumption has a long history rooted in indigenous knowledge.
Edibility of Sticky Monkey Flowers
The entire sticky monkey flower plant—including its leaves, flowers, and roots—is considered edible, according to historical accounts and modern foragers. However, the taste and ideal preparation method vary significantly between the different plant parts.
The Leaves: From Sticky to Savory
The leaves are perhaps the most complex part of the plant to consume. They are covered in a resin that makes them sticky to the touch and contains a bitter, salty, and herbal flavor profile, reminiscent of sage and mint. This strong, bitter taste is often considered unpalatable when the leaves are eaten raw, especially mature leaves. However, cooking the leaves effectively mellows their flavor and softens their chewy texture. Historically, indigenous peoples used the cooked leaves as a vegetable or as a flavoring for other foods. The concentrated sodium chloride in the leaves was also used as a salt substitute to season wild game. To prepare, the leaves can be boiled, steamed, or sauteed and added to egg dishes, marinades, or mixed with other cooked greens. For a milder flavor, try a tea made from a small number of steeped leaves.
The Flowers: Mild Flavor and Garnish
With a mild, slightly vegetal flavor and a delicate texture, the flowers of the sticky monkey flower are much more pleasant to consume raw than the leaves. They make an attractive and edible garnish for a variety of dishes, including salads, grain bowls, and curries. The sweet nectar found at the base of the tubular flowers is also a treat, which can be enjoyed directly from the blossom. In traditional uses, the flowers were steeped to create a medicinal tea for ailments like sore throats, and they were also used for decorative purposes. The nectar, and by extension the flowers, are a vital food source for pollinators like hummingbirds.
The Roots: Traditional Medicinal Use
Historically, Native American tribes used the roots of the sticky monkey flower for medicinal purposes rather than as a primary food source. The roots were typically steeped in hot water to create a tea used to treat internal issues such as diarrhea and indigestion. The Miwok tribe was known to use root infusions to combat fever, dysentery, and other ailments. Because of their strong medicinal properties, the roots are not generally recommended for recreational or culinary use and should be handled with care.
Important Considerations and Safe Foraging
While sticky monkey flower is edible, it is crucial to approach foraging responsibly and with caution. Here are several important factors to consider:
- Positive Identification: Always be 100% certain of your identification. Misidentification of wild plants is a serious risk that can lead to consuming toxic species. Use reliable field guides and resources to confirm.
- Sustainable Harvesting: Do not over-harvest. Take only what you need and leave plenty behind for the plant to recover and for wildlife to benefit. Never harvest from protected areas like national parks.
- Harvesting Area: Avoid foraging in polluted areas, such as roadsides or former industrial sites, where plants may absorb contaminants.
- Allergic Reactions: Like any food, a person can have an allergic reaction to sticky monkey flower. It is recommended to try a small amount first to test for any adverse effects.
- Consult Experts: If you have any medical conditions or are pregnant, consult with a medical professional before consuming herbal remedies or wild plants.
Raw vs. Cooked Sticky Monkey Flower
| Feature | Raw Leaves | Cooked Leaves | Flowers | Roots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Strong, bitter, herbal, salty | Milder, herbal | Mild, vegetal | Not typically consumed for flavor |
| Texture | Chewy, resinous | Softer, less chewy | Delicate, crisp | Fibrous |
| Best Use | Not recommended | As a cooked green or herbal flavoring | Garnish, desserts, tea | Medicinal tea (historical use) |
| Foraging Note | Sticky with resin, less palatable | Resin and bitterness reduced with cooking | Often eaten whole as a garnish | Handle with care, historically medicinal |
Conclusion
Sticky monkey flower is a historically and ecologically significant plant that is largely safe for human consumption, especially when prepared with care. From the mildly flavored flowers used as a colorful garnish to the more intensely flavored leaves that are best enjoyed cooked, the plant offers a range of culinary possibilities. Its medicinal uses, documented by Native Californian tribes, further highlight its value. However, responsible foraging, positive identification, and an awareness of potential sensitivities are crucial for anyone looking to incorporate this unique plant into their diet. For further information on the plant's traditional uses and natural habitat, consider visiting the National Park Service website.
Potential Culinary Uses
Tea Infusions
Both the flowers and leaves can be steeped to create herbal teas. A handful of flowers will produce a mild, delicate infusion, while a smaller number of leaves will create a more minty, herbal brew. Some foragers combine them with green tea for a more robust flavor.
Cooked Greens
Cooking the leaves in dishes like egg scrambles or sautes can help to reduce their bitterness and chewy texture. They can be prepared similarly to spinach or other leafy greens, offering a unique herbal and salty undertone to your meal.
Flavoring for Meats
Historically, the salty leaves were used as a flavoring agent for meat. Finely slicing and mixing them into marinades or using them as a seasoning rub can impart a distinct herbal taste to grilled or roasted fish and meats.
Desserts and Drinks
Flowers can be candied for a sweet, elegant garnish on cakes, ice cream, and tarts. They can also be floated in cocktails or beverages for a decorative touch.
Native Californian Usage
The Coast Miwok and Pomo people used the plant in various ways, from using crushed leaves as poultices for burns and sores to steeping roots for medicinal teas. This rich history underscores the plant's traditional importance beyond just a food source.
