Maskflower (Alonsoa meridionalis, Revis. gen. pl. 2:457. 1891)

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Author: Kuntze

Bibliography: Revis. gen. pl. 2:457. 1891

Year: 1891

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Alonsoa

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Mexico to Bolivia, C. Chile

Description

The Maskflower, scientifically known as Alonsoa meridionalis, is a captivating plant hailing from the Scrophulariaceae family. This species was first referenced in Kuntze’s seminal work, “Revis. gen. pl.” in 1891.

Maskflowers are native to a wide geographical range stretching from Central Mexico down to the diverse landscapes of Bolivia and Central Chile. This expansive distribution signifies the plant’s adaptability to various climates and terrains.

Typically emerging as a vivid addition to gardens and natural settings, the Maskflower is cherished for its aesthetic appeal. The plant boasts striking flowers that often draw the attention of gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. Given its origins, the Maskflower can add exotic flair and color to a variety of horticultural projects across different regions.

Whether you are an experienced botanist, a horticulturist, or simply a lover of unique flora, the Alonsoa meridionalis is a noteworthy specimen due to its vibrant blooms and resilient nature. This plant remains a notable subject of study and admiration within the botanical community.

Common Names

Swe: eldblomma
Eng: maskflower
En: Maskflower
Sv: Eldblomma

Synonyms

• Scrophularia meridionalis (L.f.)
• Alonsoa albiflora (G.Nicholson)
• Alonsoa myrtifolia (Roezl)
• Alonsoa parviflora ((Kunth) G.Don)
• Alonsoa mutisii ((Kunth) G.Don)
• Alonsoa meridionalis var. micans (Kuntze)
• Alonsoa meridionalis var. rubra (Kuntze)
• Alonsoa compacta (Voss)
• Alonsoa procumbens (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Alonsoa meridionalis var. flava (Kuntze)
• Alonsoa meridionalis var. lactea (Diels)
• Hemimeris mutisii (Kunth)
• Hemimeris parviflora (Kunth)
• Alonsoa peruviana (López Guillén)
• Gerardia stemodiifolia (Walp.)
• Hemimeris procumbens (Pers.)
• Alonsoa warscewiczii var. compacta (T.Moore)
• Hemitomus urticifolius (L’Hér. ex Desf.)
• Alonsoa urticifolia ((Willd.) Steud.)
• Alonsoa incisifolia (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Alonsoa warscewiczii (Regel)
• Hemimeris intermedia (G.Lodd.)
• Hemimeris incisifolia (Pers.)
• Alonsoa incisifolia var. latifolia (Benth.)
• Alonsoa incisifolia var. angustifolia (López Guillén)
• Alonsoa caulialata (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Celsia urticifolia (Sims)
• Alonsoa warscewiczii f. coccinea (Moldenke)
• Alonsoa grandiflora (Voss)
• Alonsoa meridionalis var. crocea (Kuntze)
• Hemimeris urticifolia (Willd.)
• Alonsoa incisa (Voss)
• Alonsoa meridionalis var. carnea (Kuntze)
• Alonsoa meridionalis var. cinnabarina (Kuntze)
• Alonsoa quadrifolia (G.Don)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 10, 2021 by av br y fac (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2022 by anne cabus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by polka polka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2021 by Bernal Bustamante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2021 by av br y fac (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 1, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by gabouille (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2021 by av br y fac (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by gabouille (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by gabouille (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:9536-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7869713)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alonsoa meridionalis (L.f.) Kuntze)

Specifications

Growth