Amaryllis

Amaryllis is the only genus in the subtribe Amaryllidinae (tribe Amaryllideae). It is a small genus of flowering bulbs, with two species. The better known of the two, Amaryllis belladonna, is a native of the Western Cape region of South Africa, particularly the rocky southwest area between the Olifants River Valley and Knysna.

For many years there was confusion among botanists over the generic names Amaryllis and Hippeastrum, one result of which is that the common name 'amaryllis' is mainly used for cultivars of the genus Hippeastrum, widely sold in the winter months for their ability to bloom indoors.

Plants of the genus Amaryllis are known as belladonna lily, Jersey lily, naked lady, amarillo, Easter lily in Southern Australia or, in South Africa, March lily due to its propensity to flower around March. This is one of numerous genera with the common name 'lily' due to their flower shape and growth habit. However, they are only distantly related to the true lily, Lilium. In the Victorian language of flowers, amaryllis means "love, beauty, and determination", and can also represent hope and achievement.

Quotes

• When heaven's high vault condensing clouds deform,
  Fair Amaryllis flies the incumbent storm,
  Seeks with unsteady step the shelter'd vale,
  And turns her blushing beauties from the gale.—
  Six rival youths, with soft concern impress'd,
  Calm all her fears, and charm her cares to rest.
  • Erasmus Darwin, The Botanic Garden (1791), Part II

• Where, here and there, on sandy beaches
  A milky-bell'd amaryllis blew.
  • Alfred Tennyson, "The Daisy", Stanza 4; in Maud, and Other Poems (1855)

As a given name

Give me kind Amaryllis,
The wanton country maid.

• I care not for these ladies,
  That must be wooed and prayed;
  Give me kind Amaryllis,
  The wanton country maid.
  Nature art disdaineth;
  Her beauty is her own.
  • Thomas Campion, "I Care Not for These Ladies", in A Book of Ayres (1601)

• Alas! what boots it with incessant care
  To tend the homely slighted shepherd's trade,
  And strictly meditate the thankless Muse?
  Were it not better done as others use,
  To sport with Amaryllis in the shade,
  Or with the tangles of Neaera's hair?
  • John Milton, Lycidas (1637), Line 64