Cearanthes

Cearanthes is a monotypic genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae. The only species in this genus is Cearanthes fuscoviolacea Ravenna, which is endemic to Northeastern Brazil.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Cearanthes fuscoviolacea is a terrestrial herb with 3-4.5 cm long bulbs.

Generative characteristics

The androecium consists of 6 stamens.

Taxonomy

Publication

The genus Cearanthes Ravenna, as well as its sole species Cearanthes fuscoviolacea Ravenna, was first published by Pierfelice Ravenna in 2000.

Tribe

Cearanthes is included in the tribe Griffineae.

Etymology

The generic name Cearanthes means "flower of Ceará". The specific epithet fuscoviolacea, from the Latin fuscus meaning dark, and violaceus meaning violet, means dark purple. It refers to the floral colouration.

Conservation

It is an endangered species.