Amaryllis
Amaryllis is the name of a small genus of flowering bulbs in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to South Africa.
Amaryllis is a small genus of flowering bulbs native to South Africa. In horticulture, the name commonly refers to *Hippeastrum* cultivars from the Americas.
What it is
The true genus *Amaryllis* contains only two accepted species. However, the plant commonly sold as amaryllis is usually *Hippeastrum*, a different genus in the same family. This naming confusion is frequent in horticulture.
Where it comes from
True *Amaryllis* species are native to South Africa, especially the Cape region. The horticultural *Hippeastrum* species are native to tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas.
How it's used
Amaryllis bulbs are widely grown as decorative indoor plants, especially in winter. They are valued for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers in colours like red, pink, white, and orange. They are popular as holiday gifts in Canada.
In short
- True amaryllis is a small South African genus.
- Common "amaryllis" is actually *Hippeastrum*.
- *Hippeastrum* is native to the Americas.
- Amaryllis bulbs are popular winter houseplants.
Amaryllis is widely sold in Canada as a winter indoor flowering bulb and is a common holiday gift plant in Canadian homes and garden centres.
Quick questions
Is amaryllis a genus or a common name?
Where is true amaryllis native to?
What plant is usually sold as amaryllis?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AmaryllisSupports: True Amaryllis is a small genus with two species; native range of *Amaryllis belladonna* in South Africa.
- University of Wisconsin Extension — https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/amaryllis-hippeastrum/Supports: The plant commonly called amaryllis is usually *Hippeastrum*, while true amaryllis is South African.
- NC State Extension — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hippeastrum/common-name/amaryllis/Supports: Common horticultural amaryllis refers to *Hippeastrum*; native range, plant form, flower colours, and ornamental use.
- Iowa State University Extension — https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/all-about-amaryllisSupports: *Hippeastrum* is commonly called amaryllis; flower size, colours, indoor forcing, and toxicity.
- Gardeners — https://gardeners.com/blogs/houseplant-care-articles/amaryllis-facts-8660Supports: Greek name meaning and general bulb/houseplant facts.