Aztec lily

Description

Sprekelia formosissima (syn. Amaryllis formosissima), the Aztec lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to Mexico, and introduced to the Marianas. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends it as an interesting choice for heated conservatories or greenhouses. It is available from commercial suppliers. Sprekelia was a genus of Mesoamerican plants in the Amaryllis family, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. Sprekelia plants are sometimes called Aztec lilies or Jacobean lilies although they are not true lilies. This genus is now submerged in Zephyranthes. This genus is named after Johann Heinrich von Spreckelsen (1691–1764), who supplied the plants to Lorenz Heister. Sprekelia is located in tribe Hippeastreae, subtribe Hippeastrinae. Sprekelia formosissima is common in cultivation, planted in warm climates or raised in pots in colder climates, or planted and lifted, much as the gladiolus. Even when well grown, bulbs often do not bloom every year.