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Alophia: A Glimpse into a Diverse Genus
The genus Alophia presents an interesting case study in plant taxonomy, encompassing both herbaceous plants and, confusingly, a genus of moths. This content will focus on the botanical aspects of Alophia.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Alophia
- Family: Iridaceae (Iris Family)
- Subfamily: Iridoideae
- Kingdom: Plantae
The name Alophia originates from the Greek words "a" (without) and "lopho" (crest), referring to the absence of a crest or apex in the flower structure.
Species within Alophia
- The Plant List recognizes 5 accepted species names within the genus Alophia.
- Examples mentioned include:
- Alophia drummondii (Graham) R. C. Foster (Propeller Flower, Purple Pleat-Leaf, Pinewood Lily)
- Alophia veracruzana
- Alophia silvestris (Loes.) Goldblatt
- Alophia pulchella Benth. & Hook.f.
- Synonyms for Alophia drummondii include:
- Cypella drummondii Graham
- Alophia drummondiana Herb.
Distribution and Habitat
- Alophia species are native to the southern United States, Central America, and South America.
- Alophia drummondii is specifically native to Eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
Morphological Characteristics
- Alophia are perennial, herbaceous, and bulbous plants.
- Alophia silvestris is described as a herb with a bulbous rootstock, alternate and edge-to-edge leaves, simple, sword-like leaves with parallel, slightly raised veins.
Further Resources
- International Plant Names Index
- Tropicos
- NatureServe Explorer
- Discover Life
- Biodiversity Library: Notes on Alophia (Iridaceae) and a New Species, A. veracruzana, from Vera Cruz, Mexico
- Wildflowers of Texas, Plant Resources Center, University of Texas at Austin