Synonyms:
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Amaryllis punicea Lam.
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Common names:
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Barbados Lily (English: Zambia)
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Description:
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A bulbous plant, leaves to 60 cm long, scape to 60 cm long bearing 2 or 3 unscented flowers 10–12 cm long, rosy coloured with cream centre, of tropical America, but taken by man into cultivation in all countries as an ornamental, and naturalized in West Africa.The plant is commonly grown in cemeteries in the Region, and its persistence in the bush may mark the site of abandoned villages (3). In West Africa it rarely sets seed and propagation is by bulbs. In Congo a decoction of the bulb is drunk for tachycardia, and is taken as a love-philtre to aid seduction (1).Several other H. spp. are recorded as showing considerable activity against avian malaria (2). The property of W African H. puniceum should be examined. (from Jstor/Kew) |
Notes:
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(It) is probably the first introduced American ornamental to Africa (FZ). |
Derivation of specific name:
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Flowering time: | |
Worldwide distribution:
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Native of tropical America, widely naturalized elsewhere |
Growth form(s):
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Insects associated with this species:
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Spot characters:
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Display spot characters for this species |
Content last updated: |
Tuesday 14 November 2017 |
Literature:
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Zimudzi, C., Archer, R.H., Kwembeya, E.G. & Nordal, I. (2008). Amaryllidacae Flora Zambesiaca 13(1) Page 98.
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