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achlys

Scientific Name: Achlys

Family: Berberidaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Achlys: Unveiling the Enigmatic Vanilla Leaf and its Namesakes

The genus Achlys encompasses fascinating plants, alongside a figure steeped in mythology. Let's explore both the botanical and mythical aspects of this intriguing name.

Plant Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Achlys DC.
  • Common Names: Depending on the species, common names include vanillaleaf, deer's foot, deerfoot, sweet after death, and vanilla leaf.
  • Family: Berberidaceae
  • Synonyms: Achlys californica, Achlys triphylla ssp. triphylla, Leontice triphylla are listed as synonyms.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Achlys triphylla is distributed in the west coastal region of North America and also found in Canada.
  • Achlys japonica is the other species in this genus and is distributed in Japan.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Achlys triphylla is a perennial herb, growing up to 0.4 meters (approximately 1 foot 4 inches) tall.
  • It spreads widely by rhizomes and has scapes (leafless flower stalks) that are 2-4 dm (decimeters) tall.
  • The plant's leaves have petioles (leaf stalks) ranging from 1-3 dm (decimeters).
  • It features three fan-shaped, coarsely toothed leaflets at the top of 4-15 inch stems. The central leaflet is sometimes further divided into three parts.

Botanical Species

  • Achlys triphylla: Also known as vanillaleaf, it is a perennial plant sprouting from a creeping rhizome. Its flowers are hermaphrodite, containing both male and female organs, and bloom from April to July.
  • Achlys californica: Also known as California deer foot. It is a perennial herb native to California.
  • Achlys japonica: Found in Japan.

Quirky Facts

  • One of the common names for Achlys triphylla is "sweet after death".

Further Information

  • The Plant List includes information on Achlys and its species.
  • Wikimedia Commons contains multimedia resources related to Achlys.

Mythological Significance

  • In Greek mythology, Achlys was a daimona (spirit) personifying the mist that fell before the eyes of the dying. She was associated with eternal night, misery, sadness, and even poisons. Some accounts depict her as the first being to exist, even before Chaos.