Amaseia

Amaseia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Amaryllidaceae. It was first described in 1996. The genus currently contains two recognized species, Amaseia bifolia and Amaseia consimilis. Both species are native to the southwestern Cape region of South Africa.

Amaseia species are perennial herbaceous plants that grow from bulbs. They have long, strap-like leaves and produce sprays of star-shaped flowers. The flowers are typically white or pale pink with darker markings. The genus name Amaseia is derived from the Greek word "amasein," meaning "to gather" or "to collect," referring to the way the flowers grow in clusters.

Amaseia bifolia, also known as the twin-leaf amaseia, is the type species of the genus. It is characterized by its two basal leaves and relatively small flowers. Amaseia consimilis is distinguished by its larger size and more robust growth habit. Both species are found in sandy or rocky soils, often in fynbos vegetation. They are typically found in areas with winter rainfall.

The genus Amaseia was previously included within the genus Zephyranthes, commonly known as rain lilies. However, phylogenetic studies indicated that Amaseia represents a distinct lineage within the Amaryllidaceae family, warranting its segregation into a separate genus. Further research may clarify the precise relationships of Amaseia to other genera within the Amaryllidaceae.