Description
(Hippeastrum ananuca, Zephyranthes ananuca)
This species was originally published as a Hippeastrum in 1896, (Anales Univ. Chile 93: 150 1896) since when name changes have placed it in alternative genera before it settled in Rhodophiala.
We are offering this provisionally as Rhodophiala ananuca or “aff. ananuca” if you prefer but I am reasonably confident that this is the correct identity, based on appearance, floral characteristics, environment and original location.
This was found as seed and not seen in flower at the time that the seed was ripe. It was tentatively attributed to R. tiltilensis. Its subsequent flowering has revealed it is clearly not that species and I think that it is Rhodophiala ananuca (Phil.) Traub. The characteristics and colouring are correct, as are the markings which are present in the throat . The original seed locality was given as near “Atacama, Los Vilos, 31° S.lat, widespread on sandy soil not far from the sea”. This data actually places it in the adjacent Coquimbo province to the south of Chile’s region III (Atacama), which is where Los Vilos is located at 31° S.lat. Los Vilos is at the heart of a region flanked by extensive sand dunes and this is a known location for R. ananuca. In fact Rhodophiala ananuca not only grows in this region, it grows only in this region, where it is said to favour sandy soils, close to the sea! Nothing conclusive but there is a lot of circumstantial evidence which all points to R. ananuca!
This coastal area is extremely dry and it can get no rainfall at all for long periods. The sand-dune habitat is also very sharply drained. The dryness here is countered by frequent and heavy coastal fogs produced in areas where the cold sea meets warmer rivers and land, in much the same way as happens in parts of California, where dew and mists replace, or supplement, infrequent rainfall. In addition underground water will percolate up, maintaining some dampness at a depth,. at least enough to prevent bulb desiccation.
The flowers, produced in June and July and which we are illustrating, are from our stock and are typical, though it is worth noting that the species itself is said to be variable and it can range from almost white to pink (usually with darker veining). The flowers are made alongside long, strappy leaves.
In cultivation this dies back in autumn and it is then winter-dormant and in keeping with the original wild data, it does not need a great deal of water. Keep it totally dry in winter and keep it distinctly on the dry side when it is growing, with infrequent watering and a very well-drained, sandy compost. Feeding should be at every opportunity that infrequent watering allows you. Give it full light when in growth and, of course, freedom from frost. Though this does not grow in a tropical region, its climate is Mediterranean; 31° is on the par with parts of Algeria, Libya and Iran, (as examples), mediated by cold, offshore currents.
First offered in our lists February 2022
