Hymenocallis latifolia var. latifolia
Hymenocallis latifolia var. latifolia, commonly known as the wide-leafed spider lily, is a captivating perennial valued for its striking white blooms. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical interest. Traditional practices often utilize its unique chemical properties, exploring its potential medicinal applications within diverse regional pharmacopeias.
- Scientific name: Hymenocallis latifolia var. latifolia
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Asparagales and the family Amaryllidaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Hymenocallis as the variety latifolia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Hymenocallis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Hymenocallis latifolia var. latifolia, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the wide-leafed spider lily, while in Spanish, it is known as lirio de mar. In Portuguese, the plant is called lírio-da-praia, and in Tagalog, it is identified as bulaklak ng dagat.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is primarily found in the subtropical and tropical regions of the Caribbean and the southeastern United States. Within the Caribbean, its range includes the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. It also maintains a presence in the southeastern United States, specifically in the state of Florida. These various locations highlight its preference for warm, coastal, or island environments. Overall, its distribution is concentrated within a specific maritime corridor in the Atlantic and Caribbean basins.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Florida | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Bahamas | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Cayman Is. | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Cuba | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Dominican Republic | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Jamaica | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Leeward Is. | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Puerto Rico | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Southwest Caribbean | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Windward Is. | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Hymenocallis latifolia var. latifolia, is characterized by its distinct morphological features, most notably its fleshy bulbs and elongated leaves. The bulbs serve as the plant's primary storage organs, allowing it to persist in its environment and store essential nutrients and moisture. Emerging from these bulbs are the leaves, which are typically long, strap-like, and lush green, providing the necessary surface area for photosynthesis to fuel the plant's growth and medicinal properties.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bulbs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |