Proiphys is a genus from tropical regions of Southeast Asia to Queensland Australia of 4 species of plants with tunicated bulbs in the Amaryllidaceae family. The species in this genus were previously classified in the genus Eurycles. The genus name refers to the germination of the seeds while still on the plant. This genus is related to Pancratium.
Proiphys alba (R.Br.) Mabb. is native to New Guinea to northern Australia.
Proiphys amboinensis (L.) Herb. is a widespread species from Thailand to northern Australia. Plants in habitat flower during the rainy season around Christmas time (summer). The plant grows and pups happily in a US 1 gallon (~3L) container. Grow the plant in a shady to semi-sunny location and give it plenty of water while in growth. Occasional fertilizer is recommended. In the winter, water should be withheld which will result in senescence of the leaves. This treatment is probably necessary for the plant to produce flowers. The photos below were taken by Nhu Nguyen of a plant grown by Uluwehi Knecht in Honolulu, Hawai`i. Photo 1 shows the habit of the plant and photo 2 shows the bulb, which seems to like resting a little above the soil level. Photos 3-4 were taken by Monica Swartz.
Photos below were taken by Eugene Zielinski.
The photos below were taken by Nhu Nguyen showing various aspects of the plant
Proiphys cunninghamii (Aiton ex Lindl.) Mabb. or Brisbane Lily is a summer flowering bulb with dark green, heart-shaped leaves on long upright stems. It produces fragrant, white flowers in umbel-like clusters on long stems and requires a humus rich soil in a frost free shaded position. When growth is completed, the plants should not be watered for a while, so that bulbs may rest and ripen. Photo by Bill Dijk.
Proiphys infundibularis D.L.Jones & Dowe is native to Queensland, Australia.