Picture Monday!

9/2/2013

"Happy Monday!"

Belladonna Lily - Amaryllis

Belladonna or Bella Donna means "beautiful woman" in Italian, a fitting name for the beautiful Belladonna Lily.

It is dazzling with its satin and sparkle petals that appear to be dusted with powdered crystals. And the heady fragrance of the flowers; close your eyes and breathe deeply and you may find your face wreathed in smile as pleasure and relaxation washes over you. Belladonna Lily is known by many common "Lily" related names, a few of which are Magic Lily, Resurrection Lily, Cape Lily and Jersey Lily. Probably though the most notable of names is "Naked Lady," one based on the leafless stalks that bear the beautiful flowers. Tall brown stalks seemingly coming from nowhere shoot up from the bare ground in summer. The stalks actually are products of underground bulbs that have been dormant since shedding their strap like leaves in spring. Amazing to see are areas of bare ground dotted with leafless stalks in varying flower stages; some topped with an unopened bud, others holding one or more clusters of fully opened flowers. Native to South Africa, the Amaryllis genus is comprised of only two species and although commonly referred to as a lily, they are mere distant relatives, not true lilies. Amaryllis is often confused with Hippeatrum, the subject of a recent post you may like to revisit. Found growing in sun to shade areas I noticed in shade areas the stalks tend to blend into the background, making them easy to step on; something you might want to tuck away in your memory bank should you have the pleasure to walk among a ground full. Established plants are drought tolerant and all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested which make it undesirable to deer and rodents; several pluses for the garden.
"Happy Labor Day-wishing you a relaxing and safe holiday!"
~Phyllis~

Corrections and additional information are welcomed and appreciated!