Hannonia Braun-Blanquet & Marie is a monotypic genus, including the only species Hannonia hesperidum, family Amaryllidaceae. The derivation of the name was described in the PBS list here.
Hannonia hesperidum is confined to Western Morocco, Promontory of Hercules. The specific name comes from greek hesperos, of evening, as the flowers open in the late afternoon. The bulbs are 20-25x20 mm., with brown papery tunics; they have a long neck about 4 cm long. The species is hysteranthous. The stem is about 10 cm high, 2-edged, a little twisted. The pedicel is 1 cm, green; the perianth has a short green tube, 5 mm, spreading in six white elements, 15 mm long and 2.5 mm wide, linear-lanceolate a bit broadened below the apex, and with a green line externally. The stamens in two orders, 3 equaling the tepals, 3 shorter; anthers yellow; style white and terete. The leaves are just 2 mm wide and 20 cm long. Flowering period: late summer. Each flower lasts just one day. No scent. Grows in rock-fissures, a very sandy-gritty soil is needed in cultivation. No water in summer and very little in winter. In areas which experience frost a frost-free bulbframe or a greenhouse have to be used. Full sun. Photos by Alberto Grossi, 27 of August 2007.
Photos from Dylan Hannon of plants producing seed at the end of October 2023.
