Streptolirion
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| Streptolirion | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Commelinales |
| Family: | Commelinaceae |
| Subfamily: | Commelinoideae |
| Tribe: | Tradescantieae |
| Subtribe: | Streptoliriinae |
| Genus: | Streptolirion Edgew. |
| Species[1] | |
| |
Streptolirion is a genus of flowering plants in the family Commelinaceae. It includes two species native to Asia, ranging from Japan and Manchuria to Indochina and the Himalayas.[1]
- Streptolirion lineare Fukuoka & N.Kurosaki – Japan
- Streptolirion volubile Edgew. – Japan and Manchuria to Indochina and the Himalayas
Streptolirion can be distinguished from the closely related climber Spatholirion by the former's two-seeded carpels and inflorescences that are all subtended by large involucral bracts.[2] They bear yellow hairs below the anthers, which are believed to increase floral attraction by contrasting with the petals or suggesting additional pollen is present.[3]
The genus was first described in 1845 by Michael Pakenham Edgeworth and included a single species, Streptolirion volubile. An analysis of chromosomes found major differences between Japanese and Indian populations, suggesting that an additional species might exist.[4] In 1991 Nobuyuki Fukuoka and Nobuhira Kurosaki designated the Japanese population as a new species, Streptolirion lineare.[5]