Zephyranthes minuta


Zephyranthes minuta is a perennial flowering plant species also referred to as Zephyranthes grandiflora. The latter is, however, an illegitimate name because the original author in coining the name Zephyranthes grandiflora listed the older name Amaryllis minuta as a synonym. This makes "minuta" the acceptable epithet under the ICN. Confusingly, Z. grandiflora is also used as a synonym for Zephyranthes carinata, and this usage is very common in horticultural contexts.
In the UK Z. minuta is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Description

Zephyranthes minuta is a bulb-forming perennial with shiny green leaves up to 7 mm wide. Flowers in wild specimens are usually pink, funnel-shaped, up to 9 cm long. Cultivated specimens are frequently larger, often with extra tepals.

Distribution

Zephyranthes minuta is native to Mexico and Guatemala.

Chemical composition

The following compounds are found in this plant: Pancratistatin, Zephgrabetaine, Lycorine, Galanthine, Lycoramine, Hamayne, Hamanthamine, Tortuosine, Ungeremin.