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ammocharis

Scientific Name: Ammocharis

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Ammocharis: A South African Gem

Ammocharis is a genus of flowering plants native to sub-Saharan Africa, celebrated for its beautiful and often fragrant flowers.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some common names for Ammocharis include "Gifbol" (Afrikaans for "poison bulb").

Considerations for Children

  • Some common names for Ammocharis include "Gifbol" (Afrikaans for "poison bulb").

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Ammocharis Herb.
  • Family: Amaryllidaceae
  • Subfamily: Amaryllidoideae
  • Ammocharis falcata (Jacq.) Herb. is a synonym of Ammocharis longifolia (L.) Herb.

Common Names

  • Karoo Lily (specifically for Ammocharis coranica)
  • Malgas Lily (likely for Ammocharis longifolia, found near the Breede River)
  • Berg Lily
  • Berglelie
  • Boka
  • Gifbol
  • Ground Lily
  • Icukudo
  • Incukudwane
  • Isidiya
  • Seeroogblom
  • Umbhodiya

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Ammocharis coranica is found throughout the Karoo region and extends into the eastern grasslands of South Africa.
  • Ammocharis tinneana's range includes Rwanda, Zaire, Chad, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Some Ammocharis species are summer-growing, requiring a dry dormant period in winter, while others are winter-growing.
  • Known for large, heavily scented red-pink flowers that appear in summer after the leaves.
  • Grows from large bulbs.
  • Ammocharis coranica seedlings grow in sandy or clay-like soil with ample sunlight. The leaves tend to lie on the ground.

Phytochemistry

  • Ammocharis coranica contains alkaloids such as lycorine, acetylcaranine, and crinamine.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The infructescence of Ammocharis herrei is similar to that of Cybistetes longifolia.

Further Information

  • The Plant List includes data on Ammocharis species.
  • International Plant Names Index provides nomenclature information.
  • Biodiversity Heritage Library contains relevant publications.