Leucocoryne | |
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Leucocoryne ixioides | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
Subfamily: | Allioideae |
Tribe: | Leucocoryneae |
Genus: | Leucocoryne Lindl. |
Type species | |
Leucocoryne odorata Lindl. | |
Synonyms [1] | |
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Leucocoryne(glory-of-the-sun) is a genus of bulbous perennial plants in the family Amaryllidaceae. [2] The foliage of all species is long and narrow and has an onion-like scent. The blue, white or lilac flowers are held in umbels. [3]
The entire genus is endemic to northern and central Chile in South America. [1] Some species are grown in gardens as ornamentals. They require very well-drained soil and do not tolerate freezing temperatures. L. purpurea, with purple flowers, has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. [4] [5]
The generic name Leucocoryne is a compound of the Greek elements λευκός ( = leucos ) "white" and κορυνε ( = korune ) "club" ( in the sense of cudgel or bludgeon ) - in reference to the pale, club-like, sterile anthers of the flowers. [6] [7]
Species accepted by The Plant List [8] are listed here (49) although some authorities estimate only 15. [9]