superb amaryllis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Amaryllis vittata var. major
• Amaryllis vittata
• Hippeastrum vittatum var. harrisoniae
• Amaryllis vittata subsp. guarapuavae
• Amaryllis vittata var. harrisoniae
• Hippeastrum ambiguum var. tweedieanum
• Amaryllis vittata var. tweedieana

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asparagales, it is classified under the family Amaryllidaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Hippeastrum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across the globe. In the Southwestern Pacific, its presence can be observed in Niue. The Caribbean region also hosts the species, specifically within the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the Venezuelan Antilles. Additionally, its range extends to Western South America, where it is found in Bolivia. Together, these locations highlight the broad environmental adaptability of this medicinal plant.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Hippeastrum vittatum is characterized by its presence in specific high-altitude environments, where it thrives within the Campo de Altitude, Floresta Ombrófila Mista, and vegetation found over rocky outcrops (Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos). This species is specifically adapted to these diverse ecosystems, demonstrating a preference for habitats that may range from open grasslands to mixed ombrophilous forests and specialized lithophytic niches. Its distribution is tied to significant vertical gradients, as it occupies an elevational range starting from a minimum of 1000 m AMSL, indicating its adaptation to the cooler, often more humid or montane conditions found at these higher altitudes.

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campo de Altitude, Floresta Ombrófila Mista, Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos

Life history

The life history of Hippeastrum vittatum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons by utilizing stored energy reserves. As a geophyte, it survives unfavorable environmental conditions by retreating into specialized underground storage organs, such as bulbs, which protect the vital tissues from extreme temperatures or drought. This survival strategy is further defined by its classification as a cryptophyte, meaning its perennable buds and essential vegetative structures remain concealed below the soil surface during periods of dormancy. Through this cycle of seasonal emergence and underground protection, the plant ensures long-term survival and the ability to re-emerge annually to complete its reproductive phases.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Hippeastrum vittatum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a strictly terrestrial habit. It is a self-supporting plant that does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, nor does it exhibit any climbing mechanisms such as being obligatory or facultative. As an independent organism, it lacks any parasitic tendencies, functioning entirely on its own without reliance on a host. Furthermore, it is not an epiphyte, maintaining a purely terrestrial existence rather than being a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or any other epiphytic variation. Its structure is defined by its herbaceous nature, lacking any woody tissues or woody stems.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Hippeastrum vittatum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower.

Flower

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Hippeastrum vittatum has 23 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lycorine, 2,4,6-Trimethoxyacetophenone, 2,4-Dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methylacetophenone, 2,4-Dihydroxyacetophenone, 2,6-Dimethoxy-4-hydroxyacetophenone.

lycorine

1. Dr. Duke
2. ACS omega

2,4,6-Trimethoxyacetophenone

1. ACS omega

2,4-Dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methylacetophenone

1. ACS omega

2,4-Dihydroxyacetophenone

1. ACS omega

2,6-Dimethoxy-4-hydroxyacetophenone

1. ACS omega

7-Hydroxyflavan

1. ACS omega

7-Hydroxyflavanone

1. ACS omega

Haemanthamine

1. Dr. Duke

Hippacine

1. Dr. Duke

Hippadine

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Hippeastrum vittatum has 43 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analeptic, Analgesic, Antiacetylcholinesterase, Antialzheimeran, Antibacterial.

Analeptic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiacetylcholinesterase

1. Dr. Duke

Antialzheimeran

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Antibutylcholinesterase

1. Dr. Duke

Anticholinesterase

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antifertility

1. Dr. Duke

Antiherpetic

1. Dr. Duke

Preparations