Amaryllis Hippeastrum

Amaryllis Hippeastrum

Hippeastrum (pronounced /ˌhɪpiˈæstrəm/)[1] is a genus of about 70–75 species and 600+ hybrids and cultivars of bulbous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas from Argentina north to Mexico and the Caribbean. Some species are grown for their large showy flowers. These plants are popularly but erroneously known as Amaryllis, a monotypic African genus in the same family.

“Hippeastrum” is Greek for “horseman’s star” (also known today as “knight’s star”) and was chosen in 1837 by the Honorable Reverend William Herbert, Dean of Manchester. While no one is entirely sure why he picked this name, it’s likely he chose it because of the plant’s striking resemblance to the “morning star,” a medieval weapon used by horsemen, as William Herbert was both a clergyman and something of an expert on early medieval history,. A version of the weapon was also called a “holy water sprinkler,” an ecclesiastical object with which the Dean would have been familiar.

Taken April 2009 with Sony Cybersot.

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THE MEANING & SYMBOLISM OF AMARYLLIS

Legend has it that the amaryllis – the stunning red flower we’ve come to associate with the holidays – began as a shy, timid nymph. Amaryllis fell deeply in love with Alteo, a shepherd with Hercules’ strength and Apollo’s beauty, but her affections were unrequited. Hoping that she could win him over by bestowing upon him the thing he desired most – a flower so unique it had never existed in the world before – Amaryllis sought advice from the oracle of Delphi.

Following his instructions, Amaryllis dressed in maiden’s white and appeared at Alteo’s door for 30 nights, each time piercing her heart with a golden arrow. When at last Alteo opened his door, there before him was a striking crimson flower, sprung from the blood of Amaryllis’s heart. With this romantic – albeit tragic – tale as its beginning, it’s not surprising that today the amaryllis has come to symbolize pride, determination and radiant beauty.

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