Zephyranthes formosissima (formerly Sprekelia formosissima),[1] also known as Aztec lilies or Jacobean lilies,[4] is a species of bulbous perennial herb[5] in the family Amaryllidaceaeendemic to Mexico.[2][3] After its former genus Sprekelia has been merged into the genus Zephyranthes in 2019,[6] it was formally transferred to Zephyranthes in 2024.[1]
Description
Flowering Zephyranthes formosissima cultivated in a potZephyranthes formosissima flowerZephyranthes formosissima bulb with scale bar (10 cm)
Vegetative characteristics
Zephyranthes formosissima is a bulbous,[7] perennial herb[5] with ovate to globose,[8] up to 5 cm wide,[9][5] long-necked bulbs,[10] bearing 3–6[9] annual,[11] strap-shaped,[4] linear,[5] bright green,[11] sometimes glaucous,[12] up to 50 cm long, and 2 cm wide leaves.[5] The bulbs produce offsets.[7] The roots are fibrous.[13]
Generative characteristics
The 1–2 flowered,[6][8] but usually solitary inflorescence[13][6] with a hollow,[11] 40–70(–90) cm tall scape[12] has zygomorphic,[6] bright red flowers.[9] The flowers has 6 tepals.[7] The androecium consists of 6 stamens.[13][14] The gynoecium consists of 3 carpels.[5] The stigma is trifid.[11] The triangular[5] 1.5–2.7 cm wide capsule fruit[13] bears black, flat, winged,[5] 9–11 mm long, and 6.5–8 mm wide seeds.[13]
Cytology
Various chromosome counts have been observed: 2n = 60, 120, 150, 180.[6]
Taxonomy
It was first published as Amaryllis formosissimaL. by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.[15][16] A new genus SprekeliaHeist. was created by Lorenz Heister in 1748,[17] honouring Johann Heinrich von Spreckelsen (1691–1764), who supplied the plants to Lorenz Heister.[18] Heister however did not transfer any species to the new genus.[19] It was placed into the genus SprekeliaHeist. as Sprekelia formosissima(L.) Herb. by William Herbert in 1821.[2][20]
The genus SprekeliaHeist. was merged into ZephyranthesHerb., due to genetic analyses.[6] As SprekeliaHeist. is the earlier name than ZephyranthesHerb., it was proposed to conserve ZephyranthesHerb. against SprekeliaHeist..[19] Upon acceptance of this proposal, Sprekelia formosissima(L.) Herb. was merged into ZephyranthesHerb. as Zephyranthes formosissima(Linnaeus) Z.H. Feng published by Zhen-Hao Feng in 2024.[1][21][22] It is placed in the tribe Hippeastreae.[6]
Etymology
The specific epithet formosissima means "most beautiful" or "best formed".[7]
Hybridisation
There are crosses between the genera Hippeastrum and Sprekelia, referred to as "x Hippeastrelia",[23] as well as at least one cross between the three genera Hippeastrum, Sprekelia, and Zephyranthes, x Howardara.[24]
Distribution and habitat
Zephyranthes formosissima is endemic to Mexico. It has been introduced to the Mariana Islands.[2] It occurs in various habitats, ranging from hot and xeric to temperate and humid conditions. It grows in rocky, loamy, or sandy soils[10] on rocky slopes and outcrops.[7]
Ecology
Pollination
The flowers are adapted to hummingbird pollination.[12][11]
Cultivation
Zephyranthes formosissima is common in cultivation, planted in warm climates or raised in pots in colder climates, or planted and lifted, much as the gladiolus. Even when well grown, bulbs often do not bloom every year.[25][26] The Royal Horticultural Society recommends it as an interesting choice for heated conservatories or greenhouses.[27]
^Linné, Carl von, & Salvius, Lars. (1753). Caroli Linnaei ... Species plantarum :exhibentes plantas rite cognitas, ad genera relatas, cum differentiis specificis, nominibus trivialibus, synonymis selectis, locis natalibus, secundum systema sexuale digestas... (Vol. 1, p. 293). Impensis Laurentii Salvii. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/358312
^Amaryllis formosissima L. (n.d.). International Plant Names Index. Retrieved March 6, 2025, from https://www.ipni.org/n/62814-1
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