Paradisea
| Paradisea | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Paradisea liliastrum | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Agavoideae |
| Genus: | Paradisea Mazzuc., nom. cons. |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Paradisea (paradise lily) is a European genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae.[2] It was formerly classified in the family Anthericaceae or earlier in the Liliaceae. Paradisea is sometimes confused with Anthericum.[3]
Paradisea contains two species of herbaceous perennials:-[4]
- Paradisea liliastrum (St. Bruno's lily) is a graceful alpine meadow plant[3] from the mountains of southern Europe,[5] with grasslike leaves. Pure white, trumpet-shaped flowers, 3–6 cm (1–2 in) long, with prominent yellow anthers, are borne in late spring.[4] It can be propagated by division of the roots in autumn, or from seed. In good soil it grows to 90 cm (35 in) high, and is used as an ornamental in herbaceous borders. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[6]
- Paradisea lusitanica from Portugal and Spain, is taller than P. liliastrum, growing to 80–120 cm (31–47 in) tall by 30–40 cm (12–16 in) wide; but with shorter flowers 2 cm long.[4]
Uses
The flowers of the Paradisea are believed to have psychoactive chemicals, similar to THC in marijuana. Varying tribes in the region were known to use the flowers for rituals pertaining to the Goddess Flora.[2] Paradisea lost popularity after its sudden disappearance in 1850, but has since made a comeback in schools and cities in Europe.
References
- ↑ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "The Plant List, Version 1". 2010.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 PBSWiki - Paradisea.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
- ↑ Altervista Flora Italiana, Paradisia, St Bruno's Lily, Paradisea liliastrum (L.) Bertol., Fl. Ital. 4: 133. 1840
- ↑ Paradisea liliastrum. Royal Horticultural Society.
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