Eucomis vandermerwei Seeds - RARE South African Endemic Perennial Bulb

Eucomis vandermerwei Seeds

RARE South African Indigenous Perennial Bulb

Eucomis is a southern African genus of flowering plants in the Hyacinthaceae family. The species name Eucomis is of Greek origin, eu- meaning "pleasing" and kome "hair of the head", which refers to the tuft of leaf-like bracts that crown the inflorescence of the species in this genus. They are bulbous perennials with basal rosettes of leaves with stout stems covered in star-shaped flowers. Plants are commonly known as Pineapple Lilies because in several of the species the flowers resemble a pineapple. Most of the species are indigenous to the summer rainfall areas of South Africa. They grow well in rockeries and pots and under cultivation they have proved to be cold hardy, particularly when planted deeply. They are best grown in the shade and given regular water during their active growth period. This is particularly true of plants grown in sun as otherwise the leaves will become limp and burn. Plants belonging to the Eucomis genus are found in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Species can be found in grassland, forest, swamps and on river banks. Eucomis vandermerwei is a rare dwarf pineapple lily found mostly in the highest outcrops of the Steenkampsberg (east of Johannesburg). Its narrow leaves are heavily splotched and patterned in blackish mauve and russet, and its small but conspicuous flowers are deep reddish-purple.