Zephyranthes carinata grows from globular bulbs in diameter. The tunics are wine-red in color. Four to six linear and flattened leaves are produced by each bulb. Each is long and wide, reddish at the bases and bright green for the rest of their lengths. The funnel-shaped flowers are solitary, with pink to rose red perianths. They are borne erect or slightly inclined on scapes long. The deep lilac to purplish spathes are long. There are two lengths of the stamen filaments - and. The anthers are in length. The style is. The flowers develop into more or less spherical or three-lobed capsules. The seeds are shiny black and flattened.
Classification
Zephyranthes carinatabelongs to the genus Zephyranthes of the tribeHippeastreae. It is classified under the subfamilyAmaryllidoideae of the Amaryllis family. In broader classifications, they are sometimes included within the lily family. Zephyranthes carinata is often referred to as Zephyranthes grandiflora, especially in horticulture. But the former was published earlier, hence Z. grandiflora is considered superfluous and illegitimate. Another name identified as an earlier synonym of Z. carinata is now considered to be a different species - Zephyranthes minuta.
Nomenclature
Zephyranthes carinata is also known as the 'rosepink rain lily', 'rosepink magic lily', or 'pink magic lily'. Like other rain lilies, their common name refers to their habit of blooming soon after a heavy rainfall. However, cultivated specimens of Z. carinata can be induced to flower all throughout the year by maintaining humidity. They are one of the three species of rain lilies commonly known as 'pink rain lilies'. The other two are Zephyranthes rosea and Habranthus robustus. Z. rosea is a much smaller species with pink flowers that have green centers. H. robustus, on the other hand, have generally paler pink and more strongly bent flowers. Non-English common names of Z. carinata include:
Spanish – adelfa, Corazón de Maria, duende rosado, Lágrimas de María
Distribution and habitat
Zephyranthes carinata is native to Central America, from Mexico to Colombia. They have been introduced elsewhere and have become widely naturalized. They are usually found in open pastures and hill slopes.
Uses
Zephyranthes carinata are widely cultivated as ornamentals. They are able to survive colder temperatures than other species of Zephyranthes.
Like other species of Zephyranthes, Z. carinata contain toxic alkaloids including pretazettine, carinatine, lycorine, galanthamine, and haemanthamine. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, convulsions, and death.