Foster's zephyrlily

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Foster's zephyrlily

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Hippeastrum colchicum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales. Finally, it is a member of the family Amaryllidaceae and is specifically categorized under the genus Zephyranthes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Zephyranthes fosteri, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the country of Mexico. It can be found growing within the central regions of Mexico, where local ecosystems support its development. Additionally, the species extends its reach into the northeastern parts of Mexico. Its presence is also documented throughout the southwestern territories of the nation. Consequently, these three distinct areas define the primary geographical range for this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Zephyranthes fosteri is characterized by its specialized survival strategy as a cryptophyte, specifically functioning as a geophyte. This means that its vital regenerative organs are located underground, protected from seasonal environmental stressors such as drought or temperature fluctuations by the soil. As a geophyte, the plant relies on specialized underground storage structures, typically bulbs, which allow it to remain dormant during unfavorable periods and rapidly emerge when conditions become conducive to growth. This life history pattern ensures long-term persistence in its habitat, as the energy stored within the bulb facilitates efficient nutrient mobilization for flowering and leaf production, enabling the plant to navigate cyclic environmental changes through periodic periods of vegetative inactivity.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Zephyranthes fosteri is characterized by its growth habit as a terrestrial plant, meaning it is non-epiphytic and grows directly within the soil substrate. It is not a climber, functioning as a self-supporting herbaceous perennial that maintains its structural integrity without the need for external support through obligatory or facultative climbing mechanisms. Furthermore, the species is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and does not rely on a host plant for nutrients or physical attachment.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Zephyranthes fosteri has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3-O-Acetylpowelline, lycorine.

3-O-Acetylpowelline

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

lycorine

1. Chemistry & biodiversity