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 in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to South Africa. In common horticultural use, however, “amaryllis” often refers to *Hippeastrum* cultivars, which are widely grown as ornamental indoor bulbs and are native to the Americas. In Canada, amaryllis is widely sold as a winter indoor flowering bulb and is a common holiday gift plant.

Taxonomy

True amaryllis belongs to the genus *Amaryllis* in the family Amaryllidaceae. The genus is small, with only two accepted species. Sources distinguish it from the commonly sold amaryllis, which is generally *Hippeastrum*, a different genus in the same family.

Distribution and habitat

True *Amaryllis* species are native to South Africa, especially the Cape region. The horticultural plants commonly sold under the name amaryllis are native to the Americas, specifically tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas.

Horticultural use

Amaryllis is widely grown as a decorative bulb, especially indoors during winter. The plants are valued for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers, which may appear in single, double, or miniature forms. Flower colours include red, pink, white, orange, salmon, and bicolour. Amaryllis bulbs are popular as winter-flowering houseplants and holiday gifts. In Canada, they are widely sold as winter indoor flowering bulbs and are a common holiday gift plant in homes and garden centres.

Naming confusion

The name “amaryllis” is used in two different ways: botanically for the genus *Amaryllis*, and commercially for *Hippeastrum* cultivars. This makes the common name a frequent source of confusion. True *Amaryllis* contains only two accepted species, while the commercially popular plants are *Hippeastrum*.