Prairienymph (Herbertia lahue, Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 64: 379 (1977 publ. 1978))

Family: Iridaceae

Author: (Molina) Goldblatt

Bibliography: Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 64: 379 (1977 publ. 1978)

Year: 1978

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Herbertia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Texas to Louisiana, S. Brazil to NE. Argentina, C. Chile

Description

The Prairienymph, scientifically known as Herbertia lahue, is a captivating flowering plant belonging to the Iridaceae family. This species exhibits a remarkable versatility in its natural distribution, thriving in regions stretching from Texas to Louisiana in North America, extending southwards to encompass areas from southern Brazil to northeastern Argentina, and reaching into central Chile.

First described in depth in “Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden” in 1977 by the botanist Goldblatt, the Prairienymph inhabits diverse environmental conditions, contributing to its broad geographical prevalence. Characteristically, it presents vibrant blossoms that enhance both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens with their aesthetic appeal. The adaptability of Herbertia lahue to different climatic zones underlines its ecological significance and potential for horticultural exploitation.

Overall, the Prairienymph serves as a noteworthy example of botanical biodiversity within the Iridaceae family, reflecting the intricate beauty of plant life across various ecosystems in the Americas.

Common Names

Eng: prairienymph
En: Prairienymph

Synonyms

• Herbertia lahue subsp. caerulea ((Herb.) Goldblatt)
• Iris brachystigma (Scheele)
• Trifurcia lahue ((Molina) Goldblatt)
• Ferraria lahue (Molina)
• Trifurcia lahue subsp. amoena ((Griseb.) Goldblatt)
• Trifurcia lahue subsp. caerulea ((Herb.) Goldblatt)
• Trifurcia caerulea (Herb.)
• Alophia lahue ((Molina) Espinosa)
• Alophia lahue subsp. caerulea ((Herb.) Ravenna)
• Alophia lahue subsp. amoena ((Griseb.) Ravenna)
• Alophia caerulea ((Herb.) Mottet)
• Alophia amoena ((Griseb.) Kuntze)
• Sympa riograndensis (Ravenna)
• Herbertia amoena (Griseb.)
• Herbertia watsonii (Baker)
• Herbertia platensis (L.H.Bailey)
• Herbertia lahue subsp. amoena ((Griseb.) Goldblatt)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Texas (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Florida (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Nov 11, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2016 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 21, 2014 by EOL − Kenneth Bader (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 16, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2022 by trapicki (cc-by-sa)

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

Flower

Taken Nov 6, 2019 by Daza Luvina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2021 by Rita Gelatti (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by Kenneth Parker (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Jul Rodr (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 16, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by rodriguez cristian moises (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5297486)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:120622-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Herbertia lahue (Molina) Goldblatt)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth