What is Pancratium?

Pancratium is a genus of approximately 20 species of permanent flowering bulbs in the Amaryllidaceae or Amaryllis family. It is originally from the warm climate of the Mediterranean coast, the Canary Islands and the tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Pancratium maritimum or sea lily and pancratium Illyricum are the most demanding species for outdoor cultivation. Some species of this plant have healing use. They can be promoted by compensation or spontaneous clones of parent plant and seed. Some, such as Pancratium maritmum, grow in sandy soil along the coast and others live in the desert. For this reason, some species produce fragrant white flowers common to all, but different periods of the year and under different conditions. Some bloom in spring, others at the end of summer, autumn or after a rain storm. They are short -term flowers and last for two or three days. The leaves move from silver gray to blue-green. The height can be between 6-18 inches (15-45 centimeters).

are best growing in the US Department of Agriculture Durable Zone 8-11. This means that plants are able to tolerate low temperatures up to 10 ° Fahrenheit (-12.2 ° Celsius). Plants in this family grow best in full sun and in the soil, which is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline or with a pH of 6.1-7.8. They have average water needs, but should not be transported. Some species will go until the rest period if the water is detained.

sea lilies can be found growing in deep sand dunes along the coast. This species is protected in France due to destruction stemming from urbanization along the coast. Pancratium Illyricum can be found in Corsica, Sardinia and Capri growing on rocky slopes up to 4265 feet (1300 meters) above sea level.

p. Tenuifolium or p. Plants have psychoactive properties and caused changedstates of consciousness. Other species were used as cardiac treatment. p. Maritimum can be applied externally as an antifungal. Plants in this family are toxic and should not be consumed.

Promotion Pancratium can be done by division of offset or bulb, although the use of offsets is often more successful. Replaced can be rooted in a mixture of peat, sand and leaves. The seed pods should be dried on the plant. After drying, the pods can be broken open and the seeds can be collected. Pancratium seeds are not stored well; Their sowing soon after the collection is suitable.