Eucomis amaryllidifolia is a short summer-growing bulbous plant, 9–20cm (3+1⁄2–8in) tall. Its bulb is more or less spherical, 3–4cm (1+1⁄8–1+5⁄8in) across, with a dark brown outer tunic. Five or six leaves emerge from the bulb, 13–30cm (5–12in) long and 1.5–4cm (5⁄8–1+5⁄8in) across. The margins of the leaves are wavy. The inflorescence is a densely packed raceme with 30–50 individual flowers. The raceme is topped by a head or "coma" formed from 13 to 20 bracts about 3cm (1+1⁄8in) long. The somewhat sweetly scented flowers have six yellowish green tepals, 6–8mm (1⁄4–5⁄16in) long by 4–5mm (5⁄32–3⁄16in) wide. The ovary is greenish yellow. The seeds are glossy and black.[2]
It flowers in summer and early autumn (January to March in its native South Africa).[2]
Taxonomy
Eucomis amaryllidifolia was first described by John Gilbert Baker in 1878.[1] He referred to the leaves as "Amaryllis-like" in contrast with the broader leaves of E.undulata (now a synonym of E.autumnalis), which it otherwise resembled.[3] In 1972, William Frederick Reyneke considered the species to be merely a variety of E.autumnalis, but then, in 1980, elevated it to a subspecies, as E.autumnalis subsp. amaryllidifolia. However, later research showed that E.amaryllidifolia was one of the smaller diploid species of Eucomis, with 2n = 2x = 30, whereas E.autumnalis was one of the larger tetraploid species, with 2n = 4x = 60. Accordingly, E.amaryllidifolia is now accepted as a full species.[2]
Distribution and habitat
Eucomis amaryllidifolia is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa, and in particular the Eastern Cape,[2] possibly extending into the Orange Free State.[4] It grows on rocky slopes and ridges, in full sun.[2]
Cultivation
Eucomis amaryllidifolia was not in general cultivation as of October2018[update]. In the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, it is grown in pots in an open, slightly acid medium. The pots are placed in a sunny position and watered well in summer, but kept completely dry in winter. A high potash fertilizer is used. The bulbs are considered to be hardy down to −5°C (23°F). Propagation is by seed, bulb slicing, leaf cuttings and tissue culture. Mealybugs can be a significant pest.[2]
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