''Encholirium'' is a
genus
Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...
of plants in the
family
Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...
Bromeliaceae
The Bromeliaceae (the bromeliads) are a family of monocot
Monocotyledons (), commonly referred to as monocots, (Lilianae ''sensu'' Chase & Reveal) are grass and grass-like flowering plants (angiosperms), the seeds of which typically contain o ...
, subfamily
Pitcairnioideae
Pitcairnioideae is a subfamily of the bromeliad family, Bromeliaceae. Traditionally, it was a large subfamily, comprising all those species with winged or more rarely naked seeds. Molecular phylogenetic studies showed that traditional Pitcairnioi ...
. The entire genus is endemic to Brazil. The genus name is from the Greek “enchos” (spear) and “leiron” (lily).
This genus occur exclusively in arid, rocky conditions. Some species of Encholirium are limited in number and have been the focus of conservation efforts. These plants, which have been observed being pollinated by
bat
Bats are mammals of the order Chiroptera.''cheir'', "hand" and πτερόν''pteron'', "wing". With their forelimbs adapted as wings, they are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. Bats are more agile in flight than most bi ...
s,
Cat.Inist
/ref> are commonly confused with ''Dyckia
''Dyckia'' is a genus of plants in the family (biology), family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Pitcairnioideae.
The genus is named after the Prussian botanist, botanical artist and horticulturist The Prince and Earl of Salm Reifferscheid-Dyck (1773–1 ...
''.
Species
# '' Encholirium agavoides'' Forzza & Zappi
# '' Encholirium ascendens'' Leme
# '' Encholirium belemii'' L.B. Smith & R.W. Read
# '' Encholirium biflorum'' (Mez) Forzza
# '' Encholirium brachypodum'' L.B. Smith & R.W. Read
# '' Encholirium bradeanum'' L.B. Smith
# '' Encholirium ctenophyllum'' Forzza & Zappi
# '' Encholirium disjunctum'' Forzza
# '' Encholirium diamantinum'' Forzza
# '' Encholirium eddie-estevesii'' Leme & Forzza
# '' Encholirium erectiflorum'' L.B. Smith
# '' Encholirium gracile'' L.B. Smith
# '' Encholirium heloisae'' (L.B. Smith) Forzza & Wanderley
# '' Encholirium horridum'' L.B. Smith
# '' Encholirium irwinii'' L.B. Smith
# '' Encholirium longiflorum'' Leme
# '' Encholirium luxor'' L.B. Smith & R.W. Read
# '' Encholirium lymanianum'' E. Pereira & Martinelli
# '' Encholirium magalhaesii'' L.B. Smith
# '' Encholirium maximum'' Forzza & Leme
# '' Encholirium pedicellatum'' (Mez) Rauh
# '' Encholirium pulchrum'' Forzza, Leme & O.B.C.Ribeiro
# '' Encholirium reflexum'' Forzza & Wanderley
# '' Encholirium scrutor'' (L.B. Smith) Rauh
# '' Encholirium spectabile'' Martius ex Schult. & Schult.f.
# '' Encholirium subsecundum'' (Baker) Mez
# '' Encholirium vogelii'' Rauh
References
External links
FCBS Encholirium PhotosBSI Genera Gallery
photos
{{Taxonbar, from=Q142479
Pitcairnioideae
Endemic flora of Brazil
Bromeliaceae genera