Amaryllis

Two species of highly ornamental bulbs from South Africa. Autumn flowering, with leaves to follow after.

The prominent stamens produce abundant pollen. Hoverflies are one of the few insect-groups able to digest pollen and can be seen visiting the stamens to eat it. In the mild far-southwest of the country there are concerns about Amaryllis escaping from gardens and invading important natural habitats such as sand dunes.