Amaryllidaceae
Family of monocotyledonous plants with showy actinomorphic or zygomorphic flowers, bulbous or rhizomatous. Includes ornamental and medicinal genera such as Amaryllis, Narcissus, Galanthus, Haemanthus, Crinum, and Ammocharis. Many species contain alkaloids with pharmacological activity.
Ammocharis
Ammocharis
Genus of bulbous geophytes in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to sub-Saharan and southern Africa. They produce large umbels of fragrant pink or red flowers above strap-like leaves. Grow in seasonally dry sandy soils with a summer rest period. Several species are medicinal in African ethnobotany.
Boophone
Boophone
Genus of bulbous geophytes in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to sub-Saharan and southern Africa. Produce enormous partly exposed bulbs and very showy umbels of pink or reddish flowers. Highly toxic — contain lycorine alkaloids. The San and Khoikhoi used them as arrow poison and in traditional medicine.
Brunsvigia
Brunsvigia
Genus of spectacular bulbous geophytes in the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae, native to South Africa, Namibia and parts of eastern Africa. They produce enormous bulbs and umbels of red, pink or orange flowers that can reach 50 cm in diameter. After flowering, the floral scape detaches and rolls like tumbleweed dispersing the seeds. They are slow-growing plants highly prized in horticulture.
Callithauma
Callithauma
A small or monotypic genus of bulbous geophytes in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to the South American Andes. The taxonomy of this genus is debated; some authorities treat it as a synonym of Stenomesson or Clinanthus. They produce tubular flowers in umbels on scapose stems.