Mathieua


Mathieua is a genus of South American plants in the family Amaryllidaceae. It contains only one known species, Mathieua galanthoides, native to Peru but reportedly extinct.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Mathieua galanthoides is a bulbous herb with ovate, tunicate bulbs. The ovate leaves have a long petiole.

Generative characteristics

The scapose inflorescence with a glabrous, erect, green scape bears 3–4 sessile flowers. The flowers are white with green towards the apex. The androecium consists of 6 stamens. The gynoecium consists of 3 carpels. The short stigma is trilobed.

Taxonomy

The genus and species were first described by Johann Friedrich Klotzsch in 1853. The holotype specimen is a single flower without ovary.

Etymology

The generic name Mathieua honours Louis Mathieu. The flowers resemble those of Galanthus.

Ecology

Habitat

It occurred in a region of sparse, xeric woodlands.