Hippeastrum is a genus in the family Amaryllidaceae with about 90 species and more than 600 hybrids. It is native to tropical regions of the Mexico, Caribbean, and South America.
Hippeastrum is a perennial herbaceous bulbous plant that has large trumpet-shaped flowers in various patterns. The hybrids are even more extravagant. Hippeastrum is often, but incorrectly called Amaryllis.
The name “Hippeastrum” is a combination of the Greek words for “horse” (hippeus) and “star” (astron), which means “horseman’s star” or “knight’s star”, as the flowers have a star-like shape.
Hippeastrum is a symbol of determination, beauty, and love.
Hippeastrum was separated from the genus Amaryllis in the early 19th century. Both genera have similar shapes, though the Hippeastrum has a hollow stem. Today, the Amaryllis genus has only two flowering species – Amaryllis Belladonna and Amaryllis Paradisicola.
Whatever you call them, these wonderful blooms will give you a magical experience.
The toxic part of Hippeastrum is the bulb containing alkaloids which are toxic to pets and even humans. The ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The bulb has medicinal properties and is used against asthma, bronchitis, constipation and for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
