Amaryllis belladonna, also known as the Jersey lily, belladonna-lily, naked-lady-lily, or March lily, is a plant species native to Cape Province in South Africa, but widely cultivated as an ornamental. This summer flowering bulb belongs to the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) and is often found growing in rocky soils. It has naturalized in many areas with a Mediterranean-type climate.
The Genus name comes from the Ancient Greek verb amarýssō (ἀμαρύσσω), meaning "sparkle, shine". The specific epithet belladonna is derived from the Italian bella donna, which means beautiful lady.
Description and Characteristics
Amaryllis belladonna is a perennial bulbous geophyte with one to two erect solid stems which appear in late summer. The inflorescence bears 2-12 showy fragrant funnel-shaped flowers on a 'naked' (leafless) stem, which gives it the common name of naked-lady-lily.
Leaves of A. belladonna begin growing in early spring, or during late autumn. They last for a few weeks to a few months until they wither away, and a flower stalk will begin growing.
Pollination and Seed Dispersal
When found in the wild, Amaryllis belladonna is pollinated by hawk moths and carpenter bees. The flower has a long-tubed, pale perianth, which fully expands at night.
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This flower will then release a sweet fragrance, that contains acyclic terpenoid alcohol, linalool and abundant nectar, that attracts pollinators to it.
Amaryllis Growing Guide (Belladonna Lily) by GardenersHQ
Toxicity
All parts of the A. belladonna plant are toxic and contain several different alkaloids, such as lycorine, pancracine and amaryllidine. This can cause vomiting and diarrhea in humans.
In wildlife these toxins will affect grazing species and will cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distress, lethargy, and heart or renal failure.
Cultivation
Plant bulbs in the ground or pots in fall with the top of the bulb just above the soil line and 6 to 12 inches apart or 1 to 2 bulbs per square foot. The strap-shaped leaves generally appear in spring and die down by summer.
Planting and Care
- The bulbs are best planted just below the surface of the soil, with the neck of the bulb level with the surface.
- In colder climates mulching or lifting and overwintering is required.
- The bulbs may be propagated from offsets.
Uses
Use in beds, rock gardens, border fronts, containers and woodland gardens.
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Medicinal Properties
Several compounds have been found in A. belladonna bulbs, including 1,4-dihydroxy-3-methoxy powellan, which is an alkaloid. It has been observed that alkaloids in this plant's bulb have properties to fight against malaria caused by P. falciparum.
Taxonomic Classification:
- Amaryllis obliqua L.f.
- Brunsvigia rosea var.
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