Griffinia
Griffinia liboniana[3]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Subfamily: Amaryllidoideae
Genus: Griffinia
Ker-Gawl.[1]
Type species
Griffinia hyacinthina (Ker Gawl.) Ker Gawl.[2]
Griffinia is endemic to Brazil[4]
Synonyms[4]
  • Hyline Herb.
  • Libonia Lem.

Griffinia is a genus of Brazilian plants in the Amaryllis family, subfamily Amaryllidoideae.[5] It includes 23 known species which are endemic to Brazil.[4] The most closely related genus to it is the monotypic Worsleya.

Development of inflorescence of Griffinia espiritensis var. ituberae
Lateral view of inflorescence of Griffinia espiritensis var. ituberae
Detail of flower of Griffinia espiritensis var. ituberae
Immature bulb of Griffinia gardneriana

The members of the genus Griffinia are tropical, bulbous plants which grow in high levels of humidity. The leaves are green, petiolate, elliptical, sometimes with white speckles on them. The flowers are typical for the tribe - lilac or blue colored (although there are also white - colored species) and collected into an umbel. Many of the members in this genus are endangered because of the deforestation of their habitat.[6]

Taxonomy

Subgenera

The genus Griffinia is divided into Griffinia subgen. Hyline, in which only Griffinia gardneriana (Herb.) Ravenna and Griffinia nocturna Ravenna are placed, as well as Griffinia subgen. Griffinia, which includes all other species.[7]

Species

As of June 2023, the genus comprises 23 species:[4]

Conservation

Griffinia intermedia is categorized as endangered (EN) by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is only known from two locations, in which the species, as well as its habitat is continually declining.[8] An initiative has been taken to replicate the fragrance of Griffinia gardneriana, which is threatened with extinction, for the creation of a perfume. The sale of the perfume is meant to financially contribute to the conservation effort for this species.[9]

References

  1. ^ Ker Gawler, John Bellenden 1820. Botanical Register 6, plate 444 + 2 subsequent text pages full-page color illustrion, description in Latin, commentary in English
  2. ^ Griffinia | International Plant Names Index. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2023, from https://www.ipni.org/n/330432-2
  3. ^ illustration from Annales de la Société royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand, Journal d’horticulture by Charles Morren (editor). Gand [Gent], Local de la Société (Casino), etc., 1845, volume 1, plate 13. Hand-coloured lithograph by Alex. Lagarde
  4. ^ a b c d "Griffinia Ker Gawl". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  5. ^ Stevens, P.F., Angiosperm Phylogeny Website: Asparagales: Amaryllidoideae
  6. ^ Preuss, Kevin D. 2000. The Genus Griffinia Ker Gawler (Amaryllidaceae), Revisited. Herbertia 54(1999): 51-66.
  7. ^ Meerow, A. W., Preuss, K. D., Fernando, A., & Tombolato, C. (2000, August). "Griffinia (Amaryllidaceae), a critically endangered Brazilian geophyte with horticultural potential." In VIII International Symposium on Flowerbulbs 570 (pp. 57–64).
  8. ^ Moraes, L. 2016. Griffinia intermedia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T107250175A107302180. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T107250175A107302180.pt. Accessed on 15 May 2023.
  9. ^ Fischermann, T. (2022, February 4). Jägerin der verlorenen Düfte. ZEIT ONLINE. Retrieved July 1, 2023, from https://www.zeit.de/2022/06/pflanzenschutz-kosmetik-luiza-de-paula-the-red-list-project


Categories