Development of inflorescence of Griffinia espiritensis var. ituberaeLateral view of inflorescence of Griffinia espiritensis var. ituberaeDetail of flower of Griffinia espiritensis var. ituberaeImmature bulb of Griffinia gardneriana
The members of the genus Griffinia are tropical, bulbous plants which grow in high levels of humidity. The leaves are green, petiolate, elliptical, sometimes with white speckles on them. The flowers are typical for the tribe - lilac or blue colored (although there are also white - colored species) and collected into an umbel. Many of the members in this genus are endangered because of the deforestation of their habitat.[6]
Taxonomy
GriffiniaKer Gawl. was published by John Bellenden Ker in 1820 with Griffinia hyacinthina(Ker Gawl.) Ker Gawl. as the type species.[7] The genus HylineHerb. published by William Herbert in 1840 is now a synonym of GriffiniaKer Gawl.,[4] but it was retained on the subgeneric level as the subgenus Griffinia subg. Hyline Rav. published by Pedro Felix Ravenna in 1969.[7] The genus Libonia Lem. published by Charles Antoine Lemaire in 1852 is a synonym of GriffiniaKer Gawl.[4]
Subgenera
The genus Griffinia is divided into Griffinia subg. HylineRavenna, in which only Griffinia gardneriana(Herb.) Ravenna and Griffinia nocturnaRavenna are placed, as well as the autonymous subgenus Griffinia subg. Griffinia, which includes all other species.[7]
Species
As of June 2023, the genus comprises 23 species:[4]
Hyline itaobina Ravenna was published by Pedro Felix Ravenna in 2003.[8]
Hyline paraensis Ravenna was published by Pedro Felix Ravenna in 2003.[9]
Conservation
Griffinia intermedia is categorized as endangered (EN) by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is only known from two locations, in which the species, as well as its habitat is continually declining.[10] An initiative has been taken to replicate the fragrance of Griffinia gardneriana, which is threatened with extinction, for the creation of a perfume. The sale of the perfume is meant to financially contribute to the conservation effort for this species.[11]
References
↑ illustration from Annales de la Société royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand, Journal d’horticulture by Charles Morren (editor). Gand [Gent], Local de la Société (Casino), etc., 1845, volume 1, plate 13. Hand-coloured lithograph by Alex. Lagarde
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