Worsleya

Worsleya is a genus of Brazilian plants in the amaryllis family Amaryllidaceae, cultivated as an ornamental because of its showy flowers. There is only one known species, Worsleya procera, native to eastern Brazil. It is endemic to the marshy top of a mesa called "Mount Cuca" 30 miles (52 km) north of Rio de Janeiro. Here the sickle-shaped leaves curve northward. When grown in the northern hemisphere, the leaves curve southward. It is one of the largest (around 1.5 meters (five feet) high by up to one foot (30 centimeters) thick near the base) and also rarest members of the subfamily Amaryllidoideae (family Amaryllidaceae).



This species is also known as the Empress of Brazil because of its origin in South America and in reference to the wife of Emperor Dom Pedro. It grows in very extreme and moist environments, and is commonly found near waterfalls in rich soil situated on granite rocks (which is why it is sometimes considered to be a lithophyte) and sunny places. However, it can be difficult to cultivate. It has plenty of needs, though it can exhibit great hardiness. It also has many ornamental traits.

Description
The plant has a large bulb that produces a high stem with green recurved leaves. Worsleya produces spectacular and beautiful blooms. They are large, lilac to blue, with small freckles on them. The seeds are black and semicircular, and (when cultivated) are usually sown in pumice or sometimes Sphagnum, although with Sphagnum the threat of decay is higher.

Conservation
It is critically endangered, and it is included in the Brazilian official list of endangered species.

Etymology
It is named after Arthington Worsley (1861-1943).

Cytology
The diploid chromosome count is 2n = 42 unlike its sister group Griffinia with 2n = 20.