Griffinia nocturna

Introduction: Griffinia nocturna is a white-flowering species. It is classified under the subgenus Hyline which comprises only 2 species, namely G. nocturna and G. gardneriana. Both species produce scented white flowers during night time.

Origin:  Griffinia nocturna is native to arid and semi-arid regions (“caatingas”) in evergreen forests and semi-deciduous woodlands in central and northern Brasil, in Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás, Tocantins and Pará States.

Synonym: Griffinia nocturna was previously known as Griffinia rostrata.

Distinguishing Features:  Griffinia nocturna is distinguished from other species by its night-flowering habit and that the white flowers are spicily fragrant. However, the flowers last for only one night and are finished at dawn. I suspect that such flowering strategy is developed to attract moths to pollinate the flowers during night time.

Griffinia nocturna is distinguished from G. gardneriana by the flowers being almost sessile (pedicel 3 mm) against the much longer pedicel (2-3 cm) of G. gardneriana. Besides, its perianth tube (5 cm long) is much longer than that of G. gardneriana (2 mm).

Cultivation:  Griffinia nocturna is a summer-growing species.   In its natural habitats, bulbs grow deep in sandy, well-drained soil and in a semi-shady environment. Such environment should be provided in cultivation. I grow my bulb in a deep plastic pot. The growing media comprise a mix of river sand (70%), rock chips (10%) and compost (20%).

Breeding: Like most other Griffinia species, Griffinia nocturna is a self-sterile species which means that at least 2 clones are required for making seed.

Further Reading / Information:  Plant Life 25:62-63, Plant Life 34:82, Classification of Griffinia (by Kevin Preuss) at :
http://www.amaryllis-plus.com/GriffiniaLink/Classification.htm.  

Dennis Tsang (29 September 2006)
Hong Kong