Warning

Seek medical attention if any part of the bulb is eaten or if symptoms occur.

Description

A cultivated garden or potted plant to 60cm. This perennial herb is grown from a large bulb which produces showy flowers at the end of thick hollow stems.

Large funnel-shaped flowers, 13 to 20cm in diameter, are produced in groups at the end of a long stem 30 to 75cm long and range in colour from red/crimson, pink/orange or white and sometimes with stripes.

The green strap-like leaves are 2 to 5cm wide and 30 to 90cm long, arising from the base of the plant.

Toxicity

  • Potentially toxic

  • Irritant to skin or eyes

Symptoms

Ingestion, particularly of the bulb, may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. The sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Images

Details

Common name: Amaryllis

Botanical nameHippeastrum spp.

Other common names: Hippeastrum

Family: Liliaceae

General description: A cultivated garden or potted plant to 60cm. This perennial herb is grown from a large bulb which produces showy flowers at the end of thick hollow stems.

Flowers: Large funnel-shaped flowers, 13 to 20cm in diameter, are produced in groups at the end of a long stem 30 to 75cm long and range in colour from red/crimson, pink/orange or white and sometimes with stripes.

Leaves: The green strap-like leaves are 2 to 5cm wide and 30 to 90cm long, arising from the base of the plant.

Fruit/Berries: The fruit are three-valved capsules containing flattened black seeds.

Last updated: July 2023