Eucomis

Eucomis is a southern African genus in the Hyacinthaceae family. The name is derived from the Greek word Eukomos, meaning "Beautifully Haired". Plants are commonly known as Pineapple lilies because in many of the species the blooms resemble a pineapple. They often have an unpleasant scent since they are pollinated by flies. Most of the species are found in the summer rainfall areas of South Africa, some at higher elevations. In cultivation they have proved to be hardy to frost, especially if planted deeply or protected during their dormancy by snow. They are best grown in the shade and given regular water during growth. This is especially true of plants grown in sun as otherwise the leaves will become limp. Cameron McMaster has provided extremely interesting information about this genus in an article he wrote for Farmer's Weekly in 2008.

This genus can be propagated by leaf cuttings (see this wiki article) best taken early in the season and not misted. Two pictures below from Brian Whyer show propagation from leaf cuttings. The third photo from David Fenwick shows a pollinator, a common house fly.

Eucomis was the subject of the Pacific Bulb Society topic of the week in August 2003. Click on the Introduction by David Fenwick.

For more photos and information about the species select the appropriate wiki page:

or click on the name in the table below:

Eucomis species
Eucomis autumnalis	Eucomis autumnalis ssp. amaryllidifolia	Eucomis autumnalis ssp. clavata	Eucomis bicolor	Eucomis comosa
Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy'	Eucomis comosa var. striata	Eucomis grimshawii	Eucomis humilis	Eucomis hybrids
Eucomis montana	Eucomis pallidiflora ssp. pole-evansii	Eucomis regia	Eucomis schijffii	Eucomis vandermerwei
Eucomis zambesiaca