Pancratium (genus)

Taxobox | name = "Pancratium"

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image_width = 240px
image_caption = "Pancratium maritimum"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Asparagales
familia = Amaryllidaceae
genus = "Pancratium"
genus_authority = L.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision ="Pancratium angustifolium"
"Pancratium arabicum"
"Pancratium biflorum"
"Pancratium canariense"
"Pancratium centrale"
"Pancratium foetidum"
"Pancratium illyricum"
"Pancratium landesii"
"Pancratium maritimum"
"Pancratium maximum"
"Pancratium parvum"
"Pancratium saharae"
"Pancratium sickenbergeri"
"Pancratium tenuifolium"
"Pancratium tortuosum"
"Pancratium trianthum"
"Pancratium triflorum"
"Pancratium verecundum"
"Pancratium zeylanicum"

"Pancratium" is a genus of about 18 species flowering plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, which also including the genera "Narcissus" (true daffodils) and "Galanthus" (snowdrops). The genus is found along the coastline of the Mediterranean area extending to the Canary Islands, tropical Africa and tropical Asia. The plants are herbaceous perennial, growing from bulbs. The flowers are large, white and fragrant. Perianth tube and 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.

"Pancratium" is derived from the Greek and means "strength", probably referring to the strength of a plant that can tolerate extreme climates. "Pancratium" species often inhabit extremely dry and sandy areas.

Many species have been published under "Pancratium", but most have been transferred to other genera. 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.

References

*cite book |author=Synge, P.M. |year=1961 |title=Collins Guide to Bulbs |id=ISBN 0-00-214016-0
*cite book |author=Walters, S.M. |year=1986 |title=The European Garden Flora, Vol. 1. Pteridophyta; Gymnospermae; Angiospermae — Alismataceae to Iridaceae |id=ISBN 0-521-24859-0