Leucojum

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Snowflake
Hairy-Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes) on Spring Snowflake (Leucojum vernum).JPG
Flowers of Leucojum aestivum with female hairy-footed flower bee ( Anthophora plumipes )
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Subfamily: Amaryllidoideae
Tribe: Galantheae
Genus: Leucojum
L. [1]
Synonyms [1]
  • NivariaHeist. ex Fabr.
  • NarcissoleucojumOrtega
  • ErinosmaHerb.
  • PolyanthemumBubani

Leucojum is a small genus of bulbous plants native to Eurasia belonging to the amaryllis family, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. [2] [3] [4] As currently circumscribed, the genus includes only two known species, [1] most former species having been moved into the genus Acis . Both genera are known as snowflakes.

Contents

Leucojum is a compound of Greek λευκος, leukos "white" and ἰόν, ion "violet". The spelling Leucoium is also used. Other common names include snowbell, dewdrop, and St. Agnes' flower.

Description

Leucojum vernum Leucojum vernum Sturm47.jpg
Leucojum vernum

Until 2004, the genus Leucojum was treated as including species now placed in Acis. Leucojum when narrowly circumscribed consists of only two species, Leucojum aestivum and Leucojum vernum . Compared to Acis, Leucojum has hollow rather than solid flower stalks (scapes), white flowers with green or yellow marks on both the inner and outer three tepals, flower stems (pedicels) at least as long as the spathes enclosing the inflorescence, and larger seeds, 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) across. The marks at the tips of the tepals are quick way of distinguishing the genera when in flower. Like the related snowdrops ( Galanthus ), Leucojum has wider strap-shaped leaves rather than the usually narrowly filiform ones of Acis, 5–20 mm (0.2–0.8 in) wide in L. aestivum and up to 25 mm (1.0 in) wide in L. vernum. [3] [5] [6]

Taxonomy

The genus Leucojum was erected by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, [1] initially for two species, Leucojum vernum and L. autumnale. [7] In 1759, he added the species L. aestivum . [8]

In 1807, Richard Anthony Salisbury illustrated two species in The Paradisus Londinensis . He initially used the name Leucojum autumnale for the plant illustrated in plate 21, but when discussing Leucojum pulchellum (now included in L. aestivum), illustrated in plate 74, Salisbury noted the differences between the two species, and considered them sufficient to move Leucojum autumnale into a new genus, Acis. [9] [10] Although some botanists accepted the split between Leucojum and Acis, including Robert Sweet in 1829, [11] most did not; for example, Brian Mathew in 1987 placed all the species in Leucojum. [12] Acis was reinstated in 2004, after it was determined on morphological and molecular grounds that the broadly defined genus Leucojum was paraphyletic, with Acis and a more narrowly defined Leucojum being related as shown the following cladogram. [3]

Galantheae

Acis

Leucojum s.s.

Galanthus

traditional Leucojum

Nine former members of the genus Leucojum, characterized by their narrow leaves, solid stems and unmarked flowers, are now placed in Acis, leaving only two species in Leucojum. [3]

Species

Distribution and habitat

Leucojum is native to Europe, except in the north-west, and then through Turkey to Iran. The two species, but particularly L. aestivum, are widely naturalized throughout the world, including in other parts of Europe, Japan, parts of Australia, North America and Uruguay. [1] It prefers damp situations, such as wet meadows and ditches, and shady habitats, such as woods. [13]

Cultivation

The two species of Leucojum have been described as "tough garden plants for damp soils". Both grow well in gardens in western Europe, with sufficient rainfall so that the soil does not dry out completely in summer. L. aestivum, the summer snowflake, grows particularly well on clay soils. L. vernum, the spring snowflake, is easy to grow in moist sunny or semi-shady places and flowers along with snowdrops. [6] [12] Re-planting soon after lifting is recommended. Bulbs that have dried out either fail to grow or take a long time to establish. They can be propagated from seed as well as by division. Seeds require a period of cold in order to germinate and take 4–5 years to reach flowering size. [6]

Bulbs may be attacked by the narcissus bulb fly ( Merodon equestris ). Flowers may be eaten by slugs and snails. Infection of the leaves by the fungus Peyronellaea curtisii (syn. Stagonospora curtisii) can also kill plants. [6]

Cultivars

Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' is a selected cultivar with larger flowers. It is named after Gravetye Manor, an Elizabethan manor house in West Sussex, England, the home of the influential garden writer William Robinson from 1884 until his death in 1935. The house is now a hotel.[ citation needed ]

Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' [14] and L. vernum [15] have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Leucojum vernum 'Podpolozje' is a robust cultivar which combines the properties of var. carpathicum with that of the variant "vagneri", i.e., two flowers per stem and yellowish spots on its tepals.[ citation needed ]

Cultural importance

Leucojum aestivum was named the county flower of Berkshire following a 2002 survey by the wild flower and plant conservation charity Plantlife. [16] It was once common in the Loddon Valley, hence its alternative name of the 'Loddon lily'.

Related Research Articles

<i>Galanthus</i> Genus of flowering plants in the family Amaryllidacee

Galanthus, or snowdrop, is a small genus of approximately 20 species of bulbous perennial herbaceous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae. The plants have two linear leaves and a single small white drooping bell-shaped flower with six petal-like (petaloid) tepals in two circles (whorls). The smaller inner petals have green markings.

A galanthophile is an enthusiastic collector and identifier of snowdrop (Galanthus) species and cultivars.

<i>Galanthus nivalis</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae known as snowdrop

Galanthus nivalis, the snowdrop or common snowdrop, is the best-known and most widespread of the 20 species in its genus, Galanthus. Snowdrops are among the first bulbs to bloom in spring and can form impressive carpets of white in areas where they are native or have been naturalised. They should not be confused with the snowflakes, in the genera Leucojum and Acis.

<i>Acis</i> (plant) Genus of flowering plants in the family Amaryllidaceae

Acis is a genus of perennial, herbaceous and bulbous plants in the amaryllis family. The genus consists of nine species distributed in Europe and Northern Africa. Acis was previously included in Leucojum; both genera are known as snowflakes.

<i>The Paradisus Londinensis</i> Book of plant illustrations

The Paradisus Londonensis is a book dated 1805–1808, printed by D.N. Shury, and published by William Hooker. It consists of coloured illustrations of 117 plants drawn by William Hooker, with explanatory text by Richard Anthony Salisbury.

<i>Leucojum aestivum</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Leucojum aestivum, commonly called summer snowflake or Loddon lily, is a plant species widely cultivated as an ornamental. It is native to most of Europe from Spain and Ireland to Ukraine, with the exception of Scandinavia, Russia, Belarus and the Baltic countries. It is also considered native to Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus. It is naturalized in Denmark, South Australia, New South Wales, Nova Scotia and much of the eastern United States.

<i>Leucojum vernum</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Leucojum vernum, called the spring snowflake, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. It is native to central and southern Europe from Belgium to Ukraine. It is considered naturalized in north-western Europe, including Great Britain and parts of Scandinavia, and in the US states of Georgia and Florida. This spring flowering bulbous herbaceous perennial is cultivated as an ornamental for a sunny position. The plant multiplies in favourable conditions to form clumps. Each plant bears a single white flower with greenish marks near the tip of the tepal, on a stem about 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) tall, occasionally more.

<i>Galanthus woronowii</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Galanthus woronowii, the green snowdrop or Woronow's snowdrop, is a bulbous plant native to north-east Turkey and the west and central Caucasus. In cultivation particularly, it has often been confused with two other species with broad green leaves and a single green mark on the inner tepals: Galanthus ikariae and Galanthus platyphyllus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Galantheae</span> Tribe of flowering plants

Galantheae is a tribe of plants belonging to the subfamily Amaryllidoideae of the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). As of 2017, it contains three genera, although more were included previously. The position of the ovary is inferior.

<i>Galanthus elwesii</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Galanthus elwesii, Elwes's snowdrop or greater snowdrop, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to the Caucasus.

<i>Acis autumnalis</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Acis autumnalis, the autumn snowflake, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. A short bulbous perennial, it is found on the western shores of the Mediterranean, from Portugal, Spain and Morocco to Sicily and Tunisia.

<i>Acis fabrei</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Acis fabrei is a bulbous flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to France. It has white flowers that appear in late spring after the leaves. Although first collected in 1882, it was not scientifically described until 1990. It is now known from only four populations in the Vaucluse department in south-east France, around Mont Ventoux and the River Nesque. It is considered to be a "threatened species".

<i>Acis ionica</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Acis ionica is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, native from south-western Albania to western Greece. It was initially confused with what is now Acis valentina, a species found in Spain near Valencia.

<i>Acis longifolia</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Acis longifolia is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, endemic to Corsica. Its white flowers appear in spring. It is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant, but is not fully frost-hardy.

<i>Acis nicaeensis</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Acis nicaeensis, sometimes called the French snowflake, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to south-eastern France. A small spring flowering bulb with white flowers, it is cultivated as an ornamental plant.

<i>Acis tingitana</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Acis tingitana is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to north Morocco. Rare in cultivation, it is not fully frost-hardy.

<i>Acis trichophylla</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Acis trichophylla is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to Portugal, Spain and Morocco. It has very narrow leaves. The flowers are produced in late winter or early spring and are usually white, but sometimes pink-tinged or all pink. The species is cultivated as an ornamental bulb, but requires protection from hard frost.

<i>Acis valentina</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Acis valentina is a species of bulbous flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to eastern Spain. Its white flowers appear in autumn. It can be grown as an ornamental bulb, but may need protection from hard frost.

<i>Acis rosea</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Acis rosea, known as the rose snowflake, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to Corsica and Sardinia. Unlike most members of the genus Acis, it has pink rather than white flowers. It is grown as an ornamental plant but requires protection from frost.

<i>Galanthus reginae-olgae</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae

Galanthus reginae-olgae, Queen Olga's snowdrop, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to Sicily and the west and north-west Balkans. Some variants produce their pendant white flowers in autumn, others in winter and early spring. It is cultivated as ornamental bulbous plant, preferring warmer situations in the garden than other species of Galanthus (snowdrops).

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Leucojum". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families . Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 2017-05-26.
  2. ↑ Stevens, P.F. "Angiosperm Phylogeny Website: Asparagales: Amaryllidoideae".
  3. 1 2 3 4 Lledó, Ma D.; Davis, A.P.; Crespo, M.B.; Chase, M.W. & Fay, M.F. (2004). "Phylogenetic analysis of Leucojum and Galanthus (Amaryllidaceae) based on plastid matK and nuclear ribosomal spacer (ITS) DNA sequences and morphology". Plant Systematics and Evolution. 246 (3–4): 223–243. doi:10.1007/s00606-004-0152-0. S2CID   43826738 . Retrieved 2017-12-04.
  4. ↑ "Genere Leucojum". Altervista Flora Italiana. Retrieved 2017-05-26.
  5. ↑ Webb, D.A. (1980). "Leucojum". In Tutin, T.G.; Heywood, V.H.; Burges, N.A.; Valentine, D.H.; Walters, S.M. & Webb, D.A. (eds.). Flora Europaea, Volume 5: Alismataceae to Orchidaceae. Cambridge University Press. p. 77. ISBN   978-0-521-06662-4.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Boens, Wim (March 2017). "An overview of Leucojum". The Plantsman. New Series. 16 (1): 20–25.
  7. ↑ Linnaeus, C. (1753). "Leucojum". Species Plantarum. Vol. 1 (first ed.). p. 289.
  8. ↑ "Leucojum aestivum". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families . Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 2017-05-26.
  9. ↑ Salisbury, R.A. & Hooker, W. (1805–1808). The Paradisus Londonensis : or Coloured Figures of Plants Cultivated in the Vicinity of the Metropolis. London: W. Hooker (printer D.N. Shury). doi:10.5962/bhl.title.53520. OCLC   1864969.
  10. ↑ "IPNI Plant Name Query Results for Acis". The International Plant Names Index . Retrieved 2014-11-12.
  11. ↑ "Search for Acis". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families . Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 2017-05-26.
  12. 1 2 Mathew, Brian (1987). The Smaller Bulbs. London: B.T. Batsford. ISBN   978-0-7134-4922-8. pp. 119–121.
  13. ↑ Grey-Wilson, Christopher; Mathew, Brian & Blamey, Marjorie (1981). Bulbs : the bulbous plants of Europe and their allies. London: Collins. pp. 136–137. ISBN   978-0-00-219211-8.
  14. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant'" . Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  15. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Leucojum vernum" . Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  16. ↑ "County flowers". Plantlife. Archived from the original on 2015-04-30.
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