Kingdom Plantae Clade Monocots Subfamily Amaryllidoideae Higher classification Amaryllidoideae Order Asparagales | Clade Angiosperms Family Amaryllidaceae Scientific name Pancratium Rank Genus | |
Lower classifications Pancratium maritimum, Pancratium illyricum, Pancratium zeylanicum, Pancratium sickenbergeri, Pancratium canariense | ||
Pancratium is a genus of African and Eurasian perennial, herbaceous and bulbous plants in the Amaryllis family, subfamily Amaryllidoideae
The flowers are large, white and fragrant. The perianth tube and the corona are present. It differs from the similar Hymenocallis in its numerous seeds with a thin black skin. Plants belonging to the genus Pancratium have been found in prehistoric Cretan frescoes.
The name "Pancratium" is derived from the Greek and means "all-strength", probably referring to the strength of a plant that can tolerate extreme climates. Pancratium species often inhabit extremely dry and sandy areas.
Species
Many species have been published using the name Pancratium, but most have been transferred to other genera (Clinanthus Hymenocallis Ismene Proiphys Stenomesson). Only a few species are cultivated. P. maritimum and P. illyricum being the hardiest for outdoor cultivation, but shy flowering in cool areas. P. zeylanicum is sometimes grown as a hothouse container plant.
As of February 2013, the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families accepted 21 species in the genus:
