Hippeastrum puniceum subsp. puniceum

Hippeastrum puniceum subsp. puniceum, commonly known as the Red Amaryllis, is a striking ornamental plant valued for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, various cultures utilize its bulbous roots in traditional medicine to address inflammatory conditions, promoting healing through its unique bioactive compounds and botanical properties.

  • Scientific name: Hippeastrum puniceum subsp. puniceum
  • Family: Amaryllidaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae and order Asparagales, it is classified in the family Amaryllidaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Hippeastrum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Amaryllidaceae WCVP
Genus Hippeastrum WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad and diverse geographical distribution across the African continent. In Northern Africa, it can be found specifically within the borders of Tunisia. Its presence extends into West-Central Tropical Africa, where it inhabits the Gulf of Guinea Islands and the nation of Rwanda. Moving toward the southern regions, the species is also documented in South Tropical Africa within Angola. Finally, the distribution reaches into Zimbabwe, completing its wide range across various African landscapes.

Region Area Source
Northern Africa Tunisia WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Gulf of Guinea Is. WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Rwanda WCVP
South Tropical Africa Angola WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zimbabwe WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Chagos Archipelago WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Rodrigues WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Seychelles WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP
Papuasia Solomon Is. WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Hippeastrum puniceum subsp. puniceum, relies on its specialized underground structures for both survival and medicinal potential. The primary storage organs are its large, fleshy bulbs, which serve to sequester nutrients and water, allowing the plant to endure dormant periods. In many medicinal contexts, these bulbs are the most significant parts of the organism, as they contain the concentrated chemical compounds necessary for various therapeutic applications.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
bulbs 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Hippeastrum puniceum subsp. puniceum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antineoplastic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antineoplastic 1 ★☆☆☆☆