Mexican-star (Milla biflora, Icon. 2: 76 (1793))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: Cav.

Bibliography: Icon. 2: 76 (1793)

Year: 1793

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Milla

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Arizona to SW. New Mexico and Honduras

Description

The Mexican-star, scientifically known as Milla biflora, is a captivating member of the Asparagaceae family. Described by the notable botanist Antonio José Cavanilles in his influential work, Icones et Descriptiones Plantarum (Icon. 2: 76, 1793), this charming plant has been appreciated for centuries for its distinct characteristics and subtle beauty.

Native to the vast landscapes stretching from southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico to the diverse terrains of Honduras, Milla biflora thrives in various environments. The resilience and adaptability of this plant are evident in its widespread geographic distribution, reflecting its ability to flourish across different climatic conditions.

The Mexican-star is easily recognized by its elegant, star-shaped flowers that radiate a simplicity and grace, captivating botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Each bloom typically displays a pristine white hue, contributing to its common name and enhancing its ornamental appeal.

This perennial bulbous plant often becomes a focal point in gardens and natural landscapes, where its delicate blossoms bring a touch of ethereal beauty. Its flowering period is an event looked forward to by many, as the Mexican-star’s blooms herald the splendor of nature’s ongoing cycle.

Given its historical documentation and significant presence in varied ecosystems, Milla biflora represents both a subject of academic interest and a source of aesthetic pleasure. Whether observed in the wilds of the American Southwest or cultivated in a horticultural setting, the Mexican-star stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and diversity of plant life.

Common Names

Eng: mexican star, mexican-star
Swe: vaxlilja
En: Mexican-star, Mexican star
Sv: Vaxlilja

Synonyms

• Gyrenia biflora ((Cav.) Knowles & Westc. ex Loudon)
• Askolame biflora ((Cav.) Raf.)
• Blandfordia uniflora (Willd. ex Kunth)
• Diphalangium graminifolium (S.Schauer)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 22, 2014 by EOL − noe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 11, 2019 by Eduardo Díaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by SCAMPS_MX (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2015 by EOL − Ale Peña (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Siriako Deaki (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by SCAMPS_MX (cc-by-sa)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2771052)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:538329-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Milla biflora Cav.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth