Home > Herbs > Hymenocallis Speciosa

green-tinge spiderlily

Hymenocallis speciosa · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Green-tinge spiderlily, scientifically known as Hymenocallis speciosa, is a stunning perennial prized for its fragrant, white trumpet-shaped blooms. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. In traditional medicine, various parts are utilized for their potential therapeutic properties, offering a fascinating blend of aesthetics and healing.

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native range
Southern America
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Green-Tinge Spiderlily
Scientific synonyms
Nemepiodon Speciosus · Hymenocallis Speciosa Var. Angustifolia · 4 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Hymenocallis speciosa

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Pancratium speciosum
  • Nemepiodon speciosum
  • Hymenocallis speciosa var. angustifolia
  • Hymenocallis speciosa var. humilis
  • Hymenocallis speciosa var. longipetiolata
  • Hymenocallis formosa
  • Pancratium formosum
  • Lirio caribeño

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales, it falls under the family Amaryllidaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic placement is defined by its genus, Hymenocallis.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Asparagales
Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Hymenocallis

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to several distinct regions within the Caribbean. Its geographical presence is notably established across the islands of the Bahamas. Additionally, it can be found growing naturally throughout Cuba. The species also extends its range to the Windward Islands. Consequently, its distribution is spread across these diverse maritime territories.

Region Area
Caribbean Bahamas
Caribbean Cuba
Caribbean Windward Is.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Hymenocallis speciosa is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. It functions as a geophyte, utilizing underground storage organs to survive unfavorable environmental conditions, and is classified under the broader life form category of cryptophyte, where its regenerative buds are protected beneath the soil surface.

Life form :
geophyte
Life form :
cryptophyte
Lifecycle :
perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Hymenocallis speciosa is characterized by its classification as a non-woody herb, specifically exhibiting a forb growth form. It is a self-supporting plant that does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, nor does it possess any climbing habits. The species is an independent organism, meaning it does not act as a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial existence rather than being an epiphyte. While it can thrive in various moisture conditions, its primary habitat is terrestrial, distinguishing it from strictly aquatic or semiaquatic species.

Aquatic :
terrestrial
Climber :
self-supporting
Epiphyte :
terrestrial
Growth form :
herb
Growth form :
forb
Parasite :
independent
Woodiness :
non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Hymenocallis speciosa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Pancratistatin.

Chemicals reported in Hymenocallis speciosa
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Pancratistatin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Pancratistatin

  1. Journal of natural products