Amaryllis, Hippeastrum Cultivar

Hippeastrum Herb., is a genus of about 90 species and 600+ hybrids and cultivars of bulbous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Some species are grown for their large showy flowers. There was a confusion amongst botanists over the generic names Amaryllis and Hippeastrum, one result of which is that the common name "amaryllis" is mainly used for cultivars of genus Hippeastrum. Hippeastrum is widely sold in the winter months for their ability to bloom indoors. The generic name Amaryllis applies to bulbs from South Africa, usually grown outdoors.