Massonia
| Massonia | |
|---|---|
| Massonia longipes in cultivation | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Scilloideae |
| Genus: | Massonia Thunb. ex Houtt. |
| Type species | |
| Massonia depressa | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Massonia is a genus of bulbous perennial flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae (also treated as the family Hyacinthaceae). It is native to southern Africa, and is found in localities such as Namaqualand with hot and dry summers, being dormant in summer and growing during winter. The genus Whiteheadia has been merged into Massonia. It is classed as a cryptophyte.
The genus is named for Francis Masson, a Scottish botanist, gardener, and Kew Gardens’ first plant hunter.