Amaryllis belladonna: a potential urban landscape wonder

Abstract

Amaryllis belladonna is an indigenous bulb endemic to the southwestern Cape of South Africa and one of two members of the Cape genus. It is closely linked to the Brunsvigia and Nerine bulbous species. This bulb has a hysteranthous nature of showcasing the arrival of white to different shades of pink scented trumpet-shaped flowers in late summer to early autumn. By losing its leaves and going into dormancy in the height of summer, it conserves its resources making it a drought-tolerant summer blooming perennial found in nutrient-poor soils. In the wild the specie is well adapted to the fire-prone fynbos environment only after which it sends out blooms in abundance. In cultivation it requires minimum attention and considered to be an impressive and reliable garden landscape and rocky roadside ornamental. A. belladonna has proven to be a popular plant that has become naturalized in Mediterranean climates throughout the world. This review could enhance the use and design of A. belladonna in the urban landscape.