Amaryllis belladonna

Last updated

Amaryllis belladonna
Naked Ladies, Hinsdale Rhododendron Garden (15022561349).jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Subfamily: Amaryllidoideae
Genus: Amaryllis
Species:
A. belladonna
Binomial name
Amaryllis belladonna
L.
Synonyms [1]
Species synonymy
  • Amaryllis blandaKer Gawl.
  • Amaryllis longipetalaLem.
  • Amaryllis obliquaL.f. ex Savage
  • Amaryllis pallidaDelile
  • Amaryllis pudicaKer Gawl.
  • Amaryllis regalisSalisb.
  • Amaryllis roseaLam.
  • Belladonna blanda(Ker Gawl.) Sweet
  • Belladonna pallida(Delile) Sweet
  • Belladonna pudica(Ker Gawl.) Sweet
  • Belladonna purpurascensSweet
  • Brunsvigia blanda(Ker Gawl.) L.S.Hannibal
  • Brunsvigia majorTraub
  • Brunsvigia rosea(Lam.) L.S.Hannibal
  • Brunsvigia rosea var. blanda(Ker Gawl.) Traub
  • Brunsvigia rosea var. elataL.S.Hannibal
  • Brunsvigia rosea var. longipetala(Lem.) Traub
  • Brunsvigia rosea var. majorL.S.Hannibal
  • Brunsvigia rosea var. minorL.S.Hannibal
  • Brunsvigia rosea var. pallida(Delile) L.S.Hannibal
  • Brunsvigia rosea var. pudica(Ker Gawl.) L.S.Hannibal
  • Callicore rosea(Lam.) Link
  • Coburgia belladonna(L.) Herb.
  • Coburgia blanda(Ker Gawl.) Herb.
  • Coburgia pallida(Delile) Herb.
  • Coburgia pudica(Ker Gawl.) Herb.
  • Coburgia rosea(Lam.) Gouws
  • Imhofia rosea(Lam.) Salisb.
  • Leopoldia belladonna(L.) M.Roem.
  • Zephyranthes pudica(Ker Gawl.) D.Dietr.

Amaryllis belladonna, [2] the Jersey lily, [3] belladonna-lily, naked-lady-lily, [4] or March lily, [5] is a plant species native to Cape Province in South Africa but widely cultivated as an ornamental. It is reportedly naturalized in many places: Corsica, Portugal, the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, the Scilly Isles of Great Britain, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ascension Island, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Chile, California, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Michigan and the Juan Fernández Islands. [6] [7]

Contents

Description

Perennial bulbous geophyte with one to two erect solid stems which appear in late summer. The inflorescence bears 2–12 showy fragrant funnel-shaped flowers on a 'naked' (leafless) stem, which gives it the common name of naked-lady-lily. The pink flowers which may be up to 10cm in length, appear in the autumn before the leaves (hysteranthy) which are narrow and strap shaped. [4] [5]

Taxonomy and etymology

Amaryllis belladonna is one of the two species in the genus Amaryllis as currently circumscribed. [8]

The specific epithet belladonna is derived from the Italian bella donna, which means beautiful lady. [9]

Habitat

A. belladonna in California NakedLadies.jpg
A. belladonna in California

Amaryllis belladonna is found in South Africa, where the plants are found growing among rocks. [5]

Ecology

Leaves of A. belladonna begin growing in early spring, or during late autumn. They last for a few weeks to a few months until they wither away, and a flower stalk will begin growing. When found in the wild, Amaryllis belladonna is pollinated by hawk moths and carpenter bees. The flower has a long-tubed, pale perianth, which fully expands at night. This flower will then release a sweet fragrance, that contains acyclic terpenoid alcohol, linalool and abundant nectar, that attracts pollinators to it. [10] A. belladonna seeds are soft and fleshy, and appear white or pinkish. They are dispersed through wind dispersal during the winter time. This is to coincide with the first winter rain during March, and April. Seeds will germinate in as early as two weeks, but will not develop into a fully flowering plant until three to six years later.[ citation needed ]

All parts of the A. belladonna plant are toxic and contain several different alkaloids, such as lycorine, pancracine and amaryllidine. This can cause vomiting and diarrhea in humans. In wildlife these toxins will affect grazing species, and will cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distress, lethargy, and heart or renal failure. Deer will avoid eating this plant, possibly due to an evolutionary relationship. [11]

Cultivation

The bulbs are best planted just below the surface of the soil, with the neck of the bulb level with the surface. In colder climates mulching or lifting and overwintering is required. The bulbs may be propagated from offsets. Amaryllis bulbs require little watering and are drought tolerant. [5] This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. [4]

Medicinal properties

Several compounds have been found in A. belladonna bulbs, including, 1,4-dihydroxy-3-methoxy powellan, which is an alkaloid. It has been observed that alkaloids in this plants bulb have properties to fight against malaria caused by P. falciparum. [12]

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Amaryllis</i> Genus of plants

Amaryllis is the only genus in the subtribe Amaryllidinae. It is a small genus of flowering bulbs, with two species. The better known of the two, Amaryllis belladonna, is a native of the Western Cape region of South Africa, particularly the rocky southwest area between the Olifants River Valley and Knysna.

<i>Narcissus</i> (plant) Genus of plants in the Amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae)

Narcissus is a genus of predominantly spring flowering perennial plants of the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae. Various common names including daffodil, narcissus and jonquil, are used to describe all or some members of the genus. Narcissus has conspicuous flowers with six petal-like tepals surmounted by a cup- or trumpet-shaped corona. The flowers are generally white and yellow, with either uniform or contrasting coloured tepals and corona.

<i>Colchicum</i> Genus of flowering plants

Colchicum is a genus of perennial flowering plants containing around 160 species which grow from bulb-like corms. It is a member of the botanical family Colchicaceae, and is native to West Asia, Europe, parts of the Mediterranean coast, down the East African coast to South Africa and the Western Cape. In this genus, the ovary of the flower is underground. As a consequence, the styles are extremely long in proportion, often more than 10 cm (4 in). All species in the genus are toxic.

<i>Hippeastrum</i> Genus of flowering plants in the family Amaryllidaceae

Hippeastrum is a genus of about 90 species, and over 600 hybrids and cultivars, of perennial, herbaceous and bulbous plants, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from Mexico south to Argentina and on some islands in the Caribbean. The majority have large, fleshy bulbs—usually about the size of a softball—and tall, broad, strap-like leaves that are (generally) evergreen, and large red or purple flowers. Numerous colors and cultivars have been created over the past hundred years.

<i>Nerine</i> Genus of flowering plants

Nerine is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. They are bulbous perennials, some evergreen, associated with rocky and arid habitats. They bear spherical umbels of lily-like flowers in shades from white through pink to crimson. In the case of deciduous species, the flowers may appear on naked stems before the leaves develop. Native to South Africa, there are about 20–30 species in the genus. Though described as lilies, they are not significantly related to the true lilies (Liliaceae), but more closely resemble their relatives, Amaryllis and Lycoris. The genus was established by the Revd. William Herbert in 1820.

<i>Zephyranthes</i> Genus of flowering plants

Zephyranthes is a genus of temperate and tropical bulbous plants in the Amaryllis family, subfamily Amaryllidoideae, native to the Americas and widely cultivated as ornamentals. Following the expansion of the genus in 2019, which now includes the genera Habranthus and Sprekelia, there are about 200 recognized species, as well as numerous hybrids and cultivars. Common names for species in this genus include fairy lily, rainflower, zephyr lily, magic lily, Atamasco lily, and rain lily.

<i>Narcissus pseudonarcissus</i> Species of plant

Narcissus pseudonarcissus, commonly named the wild daffodil or Lent lily, is a perennial flowering plant.

<i>Lobelia cardinalis</i> Species of flowering plant

Lobelia cardinalis, the cardinal flower, is a species of flowering plant in the bellflower family Campanulaceae native to the Americas, from southeastern Canada south through the eastern and southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America to northern Colombia.

<i>Zephyranthes carinata</i> Species of plant

Zephyranthes carinata, commonly known as the rosepink zephyr lily or pink rain lily, is a perennial flowering plant native to Mexico, Colombia and Central America. It is also widely cultivated as an ornamental and naturalized in the West Indies, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, the southeastern United States from Texas to Florida, Zimbabwe, South Africa, China, Korea, the Ryukyu Islands, Assam, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Solomon Islands, Queensland, Society Islands, Kiribati, and Caroline Islands.

<i>Zephyranthes robusta</i> Species of plant

Zephyranthes robusta, synonym Habranthus robustus, commonly known as the Brazilian copperlily, pink fairy lily or the pink rain lily, is a species of herbaceous flowering bulb. It is native to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, but is now naturalized in Florida, Colombia, South Africa, and Mauritius.

<i>Haemanthus coccineus</i> Species of flowering plant

Haemanthus coccineus, the blood flower, blood lily or paintbrush lily, is a species of flowering plant in the amaryllis family Amaryllidaceae, native to Southern Africa. Growing to 35 cm (14 in) tall and wide, it is a bulbous perennial with short brown stems surmounted by red flowers, the flowers appearing in spring and summer, before the strap-shaped leaves.

<i>Lycoris radiata</i> Species of plant

Lycoris radiata, known as the red spider lily, red magic lily, corpse flower, or equinox flower, is a plant in the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. Originally from China, Japan, Korea and Nepal and from there to the United States and elsewhere. It is considered naturalized in Seychelles and in the Ryukyu Islands. It flowers in the late summer or autumn, often in response to heavy rainfall. The common name hurricane lily refers to this characteristic, as do other common names, such as resurrection lily; these may be used for the genus as a whole.

<i>Narcissus asturiensis</i> Species of daffodil

Narcissus asturiensis, the pygmy daffodil, is a perennial bulbous plant native to the mountains of North Portugal and Spain, where it grows at altitudes up to 2000 m (6000 ft). As of March 2022, Kew sources consider the correct name to be Narcissus cuneiflorus.

<i>Brithys crini</i> Species of moth

Brithys crini, the amaryllis borer, crinum borer, lily borer or Kew arches, is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is a garden pest in parts of its range, as their larvae damage the stems and leaves of lilies, especially lilies of the family Amaryllidaceae.

<i>Nerine bowdenii</i> Species of flowering plant

Nerine bowdenii is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. It is an herbaceous bulbous perennial, growing to 45 cm (18 in) tall by 8 cm (3 in), with strap-shaped leaves and large umbels of lily-like pink flowers in late summer and autumn. The common names of the species are Cornish lily, Cape flower, Guernsey lily, and Bowden lily. However, it is neither a true lily nor from Cornwall or Guernsey, but originates from South Africa. Confusingly the name “Guernsey lily” is also applied to a related species, Nerine sarniensis.

<i>Anemonoides blanda</i> Species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae

Anemonoides blanda, syn. Anemone blanda, the Balkan anemone, Grecian windflower, or winter windflower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae. The species is native to southeastern Europe and the Middle East. The specific epithet blanda means "mild" or "charming". The genus name is derived from the Greek word anemos, or wind.

<i>Zephyranthes rosea</i> Species of plant

Zephyranthes rosea, commonly known as the Cuban zephyrlily, rosy rain lily, rose fairy lily, rose zephyr lily or the pink rain lily, is a species of rain lily native to Peru and Colombia. They are widely cultivated as ornamentals and have become naturalized in tropical regions worldwide. Like all rain lilies, they are known for blooming only after heavy rains.

<i>Scadoxus multiflorus</i> Species of flowering plant

Scadoxus multiflorus is a bulbous plant native to most of sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to Somalia to South Africa. It is also native to Arabian Peninsula and to the Seychelles. It is naturalized in Mexico and in the Chagos Archipelago.It is also found in Indian peninsula. It is grown as an ornamental plant for its brilliantly coloured flowers, either in containers or in the ground in where the climate is suitable. There are three recognized subspecies. Strongly toxic like other Scadoxus species, it has been used as a component of arrow poisons and fishing poisons, as well as in traditional medicine. Common names, some of which are used for other species, include blood lily, ball lily, fireball lily, blood flower, Katherine-wheel, oxtongue lily, poison root and powderpuff lily.

<i>Hymenocallis pimana</i> Species of flowering plant

Hymenocallis pimana is a member of the genus Hymenocallis, in the family Amaryllidaceae. Common name in English is Pima spider-lily; in Spanish it is cebollín. It is endemic to a small mountainous region in the Sierra Madre Occidental, straddling the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora. Many of the people of the region are of the indigenous group known as the Mountain Pima or Pima Bajo.

<i>Cyrtanthus falcatus</i> Species of flowering plant

Cyrtanthus falcatus, the falcate fire lily, is a species of flowering plant in the amaryllis family Amaryllidaceae from the Natal region of South Africa. A bulbous perennial growing to 30 cm (12 in), it has glossy, strap-shaped leaves and erect burgundy-coloured stems. These bear umbels of 8-10 narrowly-flared, pendulous tubular flowers in shades of red, green and cream in spring and summer. The umbels are bent over in a curious crook or sickle shape. The plant goes dormant in winter. The bulb, shaped like a bowling pin, rests with its neck above the soil line.

References

  1. Amaryllis belladonna, The Plant List
  2. Linnaeus, Carl (1753). Species Plantarum. Vol. 1. p. 293 via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  3. BSBI List 2007 (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 RHS 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Phipps 2011.
  6. "Amaryllis belladonna". Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families.
  7. "Amaryllis Belladona distribution map". Biota of North America Project.
  8. "Search for Amaryllis". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families . Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  9. Gledhill, David (2008). The Names of Plants (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 68. ISBN   978-0-521-86645-3.
  10. Manning, J. C.; Snijman, D. (1 July 2002). "Hawkmoth-pollination in Crinum variabile (Amaryllidaceae) and the biogeography of sphingophily in southern African Amaryllidaceae". South African Journal of Botany. 68 (2): 212–216. doi: 10.1016/S0254-6299(15)30422-1 .
  11. "Is Amaryllis Belladonna Toxic?". Garden Guides. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  12. Cho, Namki; Du, Yongle; Valenciano, Ana Lisa; Fernández-Murga, Maria L.; Goetz, Michael; Clement, Jason; Cassera, Maria B.; Kingston, David G. I. (1 January 2018). "Antiplasmodial alkaloids from bulbs of Amaryllis belladonna Steud". Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters. 28 (1): 40–42. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.11.021. PMC   5753767 . PMID   29162457.

Bibliography

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Amaryllis belladonna at Wikimedia Commons