Bomarea is one of the two major genera in the plant family Alstroemeriaceae. Most occur in the Andes, but some occur well into Central America, Mexico and the West Indies. Some species are grown as ornamental plants.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Bomarea are terrestrial, erect or scandent herbs with resuspinate leaves.

Generative characteristics

The bisexual flowers have a campanulate to funnel-shaped perianth with free tepals.

Taxonomy

It was published by Charles-François Brisseau de Mirbel in 1802. The lectotype Bomarea ovata was designated in 1995. Bomarea is divided into four subgenera, Baccata, Bomarea, Sphaerine, and Wichuraea. The largest is Bomarea with about 70 species.

There are about 110 to 122 species in the genus.

Species

Species accepted as of July 2014:

Etymology

The generic name Bomarea honours Jacques Christophe Valmont de Bomare (1731-1807).

Ecology

Habitat

Bomarea grow in shaded conditions of tropical forest understory.

Pollination and seed dispersal

The flowers are ornithophilous and the seeds are dispersed by animals.

As invasive plants

In New Zealand, Bomarea has become invasive.

References