Cooperia
Encyclopedia
Cooperia is a genus of tender herbaceous perennials native to South America
and the southern reaches of North America
. They are closely related to Zephyranthes
and Habranthus
, all members of the Amaryllidaceae
, or Amaryllis family. All three genera are commonly known as rain lilies because of their propensity for blooming after a rain. Cooperia blooms in summer and fall.
Cooperia is distinguishable from the more famous rain lily genus, Zephyranthes, by its fragrance similar to primroses, its white or yellow pollen, and its tolerance for droughty and desert conditions (Howard 2001:54). It also tends to be night-blooming (Ogden 1994:11).
Cross-generic hybrids have been successfully created with both Zephyranthes (× Cooperanthes) and Habranthus (× Cooperanthus) (Ogden 1994:11, Howard 2001:54).
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
and the southern reaches of North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. They are closely related to Zephyranthes
Zephyranthes
Zephyranthes is a genus of 71 species in the Amaryllis family . There are numerous hybrids and cultivars. Common names for species in this genus include fairy lily, rainflower, zephyr lily, magic lily, Atamasco lily, and rain lily.The name is derived from Ζέφυρος , the Greek god of the west...
and Habranthus
Habranthus
Habranthus is a genus of tender herbaceous flowering bulbs in the Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. The genus was first identified by pioneering bulb enthusiast William Herbert in 1824.-Description:...
, all members of the Amaryllidaceae
Amaryllidaceae
Amaryllidoideae is the subfamily of flowering plants that takes its name from the genus Amaryllis. It is part of the family Amaryllidaceae, in order Asparagales...
, or Amaryllis family. All three genera are commonly known as rain lilies because of their propensity for blooming after a rain. Cooperia blooms in summer and fall.
Cooperia is distinguishable from the more famous rain lily genus, Zephyranthes, by its fragrance similar to primroses, its white or yellow pollen, and its tolerance for droughty and desert conditions (Howard 2001:54). It also tends to be night-blooming (Ogden 1994:11).
Cross-generic hybrids have been successfully created with both Zephyranthes (× Cooperanthes) and Habranthus (× Cooperanthus) (Ogden 1994:11, Howard 2001:54).
External links
- http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CODR2 Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Information Network entry
- http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=COOPE USDA PLANTS entry
- http://uvalde.tamu.edu/herbarium/cope.htm Texas A&M Research and Extension Center profile