Paramongaia


Paramongaia is a genus of South American plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, the most important species being Paramongaia weberbaueri found only in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia. Common names are "giant Peruvian daffodil", and Cojomaria. Its flower superficially resembles a 'King Alfred' daffodil, but the flower is much larger, up to long by wide with a corona by long by wide.

Taxonomy

It was published by Octavio Velarde in 1949 with Paramongaia weberbaueri as the type species. After the genus was expanded, Paramongaia Velarde was conserved against the genus Callithauma Herb. published by William Herbert in 1837 with Callithauma viridiflorum Herb. as the type species.

Species

There are five recognized species:
The following relationships were reported:

Etymology

The generic name Paramongaia refers to Paramonga, Peru.

Conservation

The rare species Paramongaia weberbaueri has successfully been artificially propagated.

Ecology

Pollination

The flowers may possibly be moth-pollinated.