People often mistake Amaryllis and Hippeastrum plants because they have similar trumpet-shaped flowers. Both are also popular indoor blooms. They belong to the Amaryllidaceae family and grow from bulbs.
What is the difference between Amaryllis and Hippeastrum? Amaryllis bulbs are fully underground, while Hippeastrum bulbs have a portion above the soil line.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Amaryllis
– Definition, Features
2. What is Hippeastrum
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Amaryllis and Hippeastrum
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Amaryllis and Hippeastrum
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Amaryllis and Hippeastrum
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Amaryllis, Hippeastrum
What is Amaryllis
The Amaryllis is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to a small genus with only two species, the most famous being Amaryllis belladonna. This species is native to the Western Cape of South Africa, especially in rocky areas of the southwest. Botanists long debated the names of this plant and a similar-looking genus called Hippeastrum. This is why “amaryllis” is commonly used for both plants, especially the ones sold in winter for indoor blooming.
The plant is also known by many names, like Belladonna lily, Jersey lily, Naked Lady, and March lily. Despite being called a lily, it’s only distantly related to true lilies.
Amaryllis plants grow from bulbs, which are 5–10 cm wide and produce long, strap-like green leaves that can reach up to 50 cm. Each bulb sends up one or two tall, leafless stems, which can hold clusters of two to twelve trumpet-shaped flowers. These flowers, usually white with crimson veins, can also appear in pink or purple.
What is Hippeastrum
Hippeastrum is a genus of flowering plants that includes around 90 species and over 600 hybrids and cultivars. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical areas of the Americas. Hippeastrumplants are best known for their large, striking flowers in shades of red and purple. They’re often mistaken for Amaryllis due to their similar appearance.
The Hippeastrum has large, fleshy bulbs, roughly the size of a softball, covered by a protective outer layer with inner scales that help store water. Each bulb produces two to seven long, strap-like leaves that are usually evergreen. The leaves can grow up to 90 cm long and have a simple structure, emerging directly from the bulb and often appearing after the plant has flowered.
The flowers of Hippeastrum grow in clusters, typically with two to fourteen blooms per stem. These blooms appear on a tall, hollow stem called a scape, which can reach up to 75 cm in height. The flowers themselves are funnel-shaped, often curving slightly downward before arching up at the tips. Each flower can be as wide as 20 cm and features six brightly colored petal-like segments called tepals, which are typically red or purple.
Similarities Between Amaryllis and Hippeastrum
- Both have large, trumpet-shaped flowers with six petal-like segments called tepals.
- They belong to the Amaryllidaceae family, which includes many bulbous flowering plants.
- Both grow from bulbs that store nutrients.
- Both have long, strap-like leaves that emerge from the bulb.
- They are popular as ornamental plants
Difference Between Amaryllis and Hippeastrum
Definition
- Amaryllis is a genus of flowering bulbs native to South Africa, known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers while Hippeastrum is a genus of flowering bulbs commonly called “amaryllis,” native to Central and South America.
Flowering Season
- Amaryllis blooms in late summer or early fall, around March in South Africa, while Hippeastrum often blooms indoors in winter, popular as holiday plants.
Bulb
- Amaryllis bulbs are fully underground, while Hippeastrum bulbs have a portion above the soil line.
Flower Size
- Amaryllis flowers are generally smaller compared to the larger and showier blooms of Hippeastrum.
Leaves
- Amaryllis leaves appear either before or after flowering (hysteranthous) and are not evergreen, while Hippeastrum often has evergreen leaves that may appear after the flowers bloom.
Stem Structure
- Amaryllis stems are solid, while Hippeastrum stems are hollow.
FAQ: Amaryllis and Hippeastrum
1. Are Hippeastrum the same as Amaryllis?
No, Hippeastrum and Amaryllis are not the same, but they look similar. Hippeastrum plants come from the Americas, while Amaryllis plants come from South Africa. Although both are called “amaryllis” in stores, they are actually different plants.
2. How to tell Amaryllis from Hippeastrum?
To tell Amaryllis from Hippeastrum, look at their stems, flowers, and how they’re planted. Amaryllis has solid stems smaller flowers, and its bulb is fully underground. Hippeastrumhas hollow stems, larger flowers, and its bulb sit partly above the soil line.
3. What is another name for Amaryllis?
Another name for Amaryllis is “belladonna lily.” It’s also sometimes called “naked lady” or “March lily” in South Africa due to its blooming season.
4. How many times can an Amaryllis bloom?
An Amaryllis can bloom once or sometimes twice a year, depending on how well it’s cared for. Each bloom period usually lasts a few weeks, with several flowers opening on the same stem.
Reference:
1. “Amaryllis.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Hippeastrum.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Amaryllis belladonna flowers” By Bidgee – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Hippeastrum reginae” By Drew Avery – Ascension Lily {Hippeastrum Reginae}Uploaded by Epibase(CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
Leave a Reply