MANILA, Philippines - Scientific name: Hypoxis aurea Lour.
Family: Hypoxidaceae
Local name: Kitkitli (Ig.)
Distribution: Luzon (Bontoc, Benguet, Nueva Ecija), Mindanao (Lanao, Bukidnon). Also found in India to Japan, Ryukyu Is., Malesia, China, NE Taiwan.
Description: Herbs with rounded or elongate rhizomes. Leaves linear, 10 to 20 cm long, 3-4 mm wide. Scapes filiform, hairy. Flowers 1-2, yellow, with short stalk. Perianth segments 6, elliptic-lanceolate, 5-6 mm long; stamens 6. Fruit an ellipsoid capsule; seeds many, globose.
Conservation Notes: This species is found in open grasslands at medium to higher altitudes in the Philippines. They are rather not common and the population is rather dispersed. It is threatened by occasional fire and severe drought. The plants are used locally for toning and softening skin. The rhizomes are pounded and made into paste and applied to the skin. There is a local demand for the plants for cosmetic.
Photo Credit: D.A.Madulid
For further information contact: Domingo A. Madulid, Philippine National Museum, Botany Division, P. Burgos St., Manila. Tel 5271218. Email: d.madulid@yahoo.com.