Ornamental potential of the coastal plant Lapiedra martinezii Lag. (Amaryllidaceae): the role of its revalorization in xero-gardening and ex-situ conservation

Abstract

Lapiedra martinezii Lag. (Amaryllidaceae) is an autumn-flowering geophyte that grows in coastal and sublittoral environments. The interests on this species has come out during the last decades due to its content in bioactive alkaloids and its conservational status. The aim of this work was to review the available information on L. martinezii and to assess whether it could be introduced as ornamental plant in xero-gardening. Therefore, the aesthetic traits were analyzed and compared to other cultivated and wild plants. Also, information on its ecological and propagation requirements were checked to discern whether it could be adapted under different production systems and culture conditions. In addition, other aspects were also analyzed to identify strengths and limitations of this species for its further revalorization as ornamental plant. The results obtained suggest that L. martinezii could be a good choice as foliage plant to grow it on gardens as an alpine bulb or pot plant. Moreover, it might be quite well adapted under different production and culture conditions in dry and semi-arid regions. The horticultural traits related to its germination and in vitro multiplication are interesting strengths to bear in mind for its industrial propagation and early domestication. Finally considered, the introduction in xero-gardening could also help in its ex-situ conservation. However, a more-in-depth research would be needed to finally introduce it in the ornamental plants’ market.