Apodolirion


Apodolirion is a genus of herbaceous, perennial and bulbous plants in the Amaryllis family. It consists of 6 species native to Southern Africa.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Apodolirion are bulbous plants with tunicate bulbs.

Generative characteristics

The fragrant, ephemeral, tubular, delicate, solitary, sessile flower has a perianth of six tepals. The androecium consists of 6 stamens. The gynoecium consists of 3 carpels. The stigma is tri-lobed. The long, cylindrical, fragrant fruit bears many small, hard seeds.

Cytology

The basic chromosome number is x = 6.

Taxonomy

It was published by John Gilbert Baker in 1878. The lectotype species Apodolirion buchananii was designated in 1951. It is placed in the tribe Haemantheae. Apodolirion and Gethyllis may represent a single genus.

Etymology

The generic name Apodolirion means "stemless flower".

Species

It has six species:

Habitat

It occurs in the summer rainfall regions of South Africa.

Pollination

The flowers are pollinated by bees.

Seed dispersal

The seeds are dispersed by ants.

Conservation

Apodolirion amyanum is classified as Endangered according to the Red List of South African plants.

Uses

A. buchananii is cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is a small plant with solitary flowers, that bloom in spring.