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Amaryllis
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Amaryllis

Hippeastrum

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameAmaryllis
DescriptionSpectacular bulbous plant producing 2-6 large, trumpet-shaped flowers per stalk that can reach 6-10 inches across. Blooms appear in stunning shades of red, pink, white, orange, and salmon, often with contrasting stripes, veining, or picotee edges. Popular winter-blooming houseplant that brings dramatic color indoors during cold months, though commonly called amaryllis, most are actually Hippeastrum hybrids.
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
GenusHippeastrum
TribeHippeastrinae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaBr ⊕ ⚥ P(3+3) A3+3 G(3)

Bract present at base of flower cluster, radially symmetrical, bisexual, perianth of 6 tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (appearing as petals), 6 stamens in 2 whorls of 3, 3 fused carpels forming inferior ovary

Features
  • Name 'Amaryllis' comes from Greek mythology - a shepherdess named Amaryllis who symbolized pride and determination. However, most plants sold as amaryllis belong to genus Hippeastrum (meaning knight's star), while true Amaryllis belladonna is a different South African species
  • Massive trumpet or funnel-shaped flowers with 6 broad petals arranged in a star pattern. Each hollow flower stalk (scape) produces 2-6 blooms that open sequentially, with some varieties producing multiple stalks per bulb
  • Bulbous perennial that stores energy in large, onion-like bulbs. Can be forced to bloom indoors in winter or grown outdoors in frost-free climates. Bulbs can live and rebloom for decades with proper care
  • Flower stalks grow 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, with individual blooms 6-10 inches across. Bulbs range from 2-5 inches in diameter. Can live 50+ years, reblooming annually with proper dormancy period
  • Hippeastrum species native to Central and South America, particularly Peru, Brazil, and Caribbean islands. True Amaryllis belladonna originates from South Africa's Cape region
  • Prefers bright indirect light when blooming indoors, or partial shade outdoors. Requires well-draining soil and moderate water during growth, with dry dormancy period after flowering. Tolerates 4-6 hours of direct sun
  • Bulbs contain toxic alkaloids harmful to pets and humans if ingested. Excellent cut flowers lasting 7-10 days. Can be forced to bloom for specific holidays by controlling planting time and temperature

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificHippeastrum
English (Alternate)Dutch Amaryllis, Fire Lily, and Knight's Star Lily
Hindi अमरिलिस (Amarilis), एमेरीलिस (Ameerisilis)
Tamilஅம்மாரிலஸ் (Ammārilas), காலைக்கண்ணாடி (Kālai-kannaadi)
Teluguఅమరిల్లిస్ (Amarillis), అమరిల్లిస్ లిల్లీ (Amarillis lilli)
Malayalamഅമരില്ലിസ് (Amarrilis), ബെല്ലഡോണ ലില്ലി (Belledona Lilli), ജേഴ്സി ലില്ലി (Jersey Lilli), or ഈസ്റ്റർ ലില്ലി (Easter Lilli) or ചുവന്ന പോളത്താളി (sjovanna-pola-tali)
Kannadaಅಮರಿಲ್ಲಿಸ್ ಲಿಲಿ (Amaryllis Lili), ಅಮರಿಲ್ಲಿಸ್ ಲಿಲಿ ಮಿಕ್ಸ್ ಬಲ್ಬ್ (Amaryllis Lily Mix Bulb)
Sanskritचक्राङ्गी (cakrangi), मधुपर्णिका (madhuparnika), सुदर्शन (sudarsana), वृषकर्णी vrsakarni
Bengali অ্যামেরিলিস লিলি মিক্স বাল্ব (Ayāmērilisa lili miksa bālba), সুখদর্শন (sukhadarshana)
Frenchamaryllis
Russianамариллис (amaríllis)
Spanishamarilis
Germandie Amaryllis

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.