Saturday, October 1, 2011

Griffinia liboniana -- Endemic To Brazil

Griffinia liboniana is a beautiful small plant endemic to Brazil in the Atlantic Forest that has striking blue colored flowers rarely found in Amaryllidaceae.  Griffinia contains about twenty one species and several varieties with the most desirable being from the sub-genus Hyline containing  G. gardneriana and G. nocturna which flowers are incredibly short lived but highly fragrant.

Griffinia liboniana
Some species contain the white spots such as G. liboniana as well as a few others, a new species has been found with pink spotting making it quite different from the group, little is known of this new species and only a few have seen pictures but I assure you that it's truly pink!

Griffinia liboniana is free flowering and if well grown can bloom several times a year.  G. liboniana likes a very organic mix that drains fairly well but it's important that the medium is kept moist as the plants can decline quite fast if left to dry for a period of time.  The medium should feel like a well wrung sponge with just a hint of moisture.  Some grow Griffinia species in pure Sphagnum Moss while I grow mine in a Sphagnum/Bark/Perlite mixture at even parts.

Griffinia species grow amongst the forest floor which is littered with plant debris and handles very low light levels making it a prime candidate for houseplant culture.  Sadly Griffinia aren't too common in cultivation but with recent breeding work by Kevin Preuss hopefully this changes in the future.

6 comments:

  1. This is such a beautifully written and informative post! I had never heard of Griffinia liboniana before, and it’s amazing to learn that it's endemic to Brazil. Your photos really bring out the delicate beauty of the plant—especially the soft lavender tones of the blooms. I love how you combine botanical detail with a personal passion for bulbs—it makes your blog such a joy to read. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love for these rare gems! Daniel Dantas

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  2. What a fascinating post on Griffinia liboniana! It's amazing to learn about this rare, endemic plant from Brazil, especially its striking blue flowers. The detailed care tips and growing conditions shared are invaluable for anyone interested in cultivating it. I appreciate how the blog also touches on the recent breeding efforts by Kevin Preuss, which could lead to more availability of this beautiful plant. Thanks for shedding light on such a unique species! Luiz Gustavo Mori

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  3. Absolutely loved this post! It's always fascinating to learn about unique and lesser-known plants like Griffinia liboniana, especially ones that are endemic to regions like Brazil. Your photos are stunning, and the detailed description of the plant’s features and habitat made for a really engaging read. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion—it's inspiring to see such dedication to preserving and celebrating botanical diversity! Luiz Antonio Duarte Ferreira

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  4. What a wonderful post! The detailed description of Griffinia liboniana and its unique characteristics is fascinating. It's amazing to learn about such an exceptional and rare species, especially its vibrant blue flowers and its natural habitat in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. The care tips shared for growing these plants are very insightful, and the passion for these beautiful bulbs really shines through. It's clear this blog is a treasure trove for bulb enthusiasts. Keep up the great work! Looking forward to reading more! Beatriz Barata

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  5. Such a beautifully written and informative post! I never knew about the fascinating Griffinia liboniana, and it's amazing to learn that it's endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Forest. The plant’s delicate blue flowers are captivating, and your tips on its care are invaluable. Your passion for these unique species really shines through, and it's inspiring to read about your dedication to these remarkable bulbs. Thank you for sharing such detailed knowledge and for making plant care so engaging! Veronica Dantas

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  6. What a fascinating and beautifully written post! The detailed information about Griffinia liboniana is truly captivating, especially learning about its unique blue flowers and its native habitat in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. The care tips are incredibly helpful for anyone interested in growing these rare plants. Your passion for these bulbs really shines through, and it's inspiring to read. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and dedication to preserving such remarkable species! Looking forward to more informative and insightful posts. Keep up the amazing work! Sidney De Queiroz Pedrosa

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