About Zephyranthes carinata Herb.
Zephyranthes carinata Herb. grows from tunicate, globular bulbs that are 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) in diameter, with wine-red tunics. Each bulb produces 4 to 6 linear, flattened leaves; every leaf is 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in) long and 6 to 8 mm (0.24 to 0.31 in) wide, with reddish bases and bright green foliage along the rest of its length. The species produces solitary, funnel-shaped flowers with pink to rose red perianths. Flowers grow erect or slightly inclined on scapes that are 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) long. The deep lilac to purplish spathes are 25 to 30 mm (1.0 to 1.2 in) long. Stamen filaments come in two lengths: 15 mm (0.6 in) and 21 mm (0.8 in), and anthers measure 6 mm (0.24 in) in length. The style is filiform. After flowering, Zephyranthes carinata develops more or less spherical or three-lobed capsules that hold shiny black, flattened seeds. Zephyranthes carinata is native to Central America, ranging from Mexico to Colombia. It has been introduced to other regions and become widely naturalized there, and it typically grows in open pastures and on hill slopes. Like other Zephyranthes species, Z. carinata contains toxic alkaloids, including pretazettine, carinatine, lycorine, galantamine, and haemanthamine. Ingestion can cause vomiting, convulsions, and death. Zephyranthes carinata is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, and it can tolerate colder temperatures than other Zephyranthes species.
