Clade Monocots Rank Species | Clade Angiosperms Higher classification Nerine | |
Similar Nerine, Nerine sarniensis, Amaryllidaceae, Amaryllis belladonna, ×Amarine | ||
How to plant nerines jeff plants nerine bowdenii or guernsey lily into pots
Nerine bowdenii is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. It is an herbaceous bulbous perennial, growing to 45 cm (18 in) tall by 8 cm (3 in), with strap-shaped leaves and large umbels of lily-like pink flowers in late summer and autumn. The common names of the species are Cornish lily, Cape flower and Guernsey lily. However, it is neither a true lily nor from Cornwall or Guernsey, but originates from South Africa (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Free State, Drakensberg Mountains).
Contents
- How to plant nerines jeff plants nerine bowdenii or guernsey lily into pots
- Description
- Cultivation
- Biochemistry
- Diseases
- References
The species was named in 1904 after Athelstan Cornish-Bowden who had sent bulbs of the plant to England from South Africa.
Description
N. bowdenii bulbs are 12 to 14 centimetres (4.7 to 5.5 in) in circumference. The bulbs are "shaped like old-fashioned Chianti bottles". The plant has eight or more faintly-scented bright pink flowers with frilly tips, resembling finely-cut lilies. Because the leaves do not appear until spring, the species can tolerate lower temperatures than most species in the genus Nerine.
Cultivation
Nerine bowdenii is widely cultivated in temperate regions, where it requires warmth and shelter in colder areas, but is quite hardy, being able to withstand temperatures of −15 °C (5 °F). It needs to be planted where it cannot be disturbed for several years, and blooms best when the bulbs are crowded. The species grows best in heat and well-drained soil. However, it will not tolerate tropical or very humid weather. It is suggested that colchicums and cyclamens are good choices of companion plants to grow with this species.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Biochemistry
The bulbs of Nerine bowdenii contain an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, called ungeremine which may be suitable as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Ungeremine has also been isolated from Ungernia minor, Ungernia spiralis, Zephyranthes flava, Crinum asiaticum, Crinum augustum, Pancratium maritimum and Hippeastrum solandriflorum. The bulbs also contain a number of alkaloids.
Diseases
The plant virus, vallota mosaic virus has been found to infect Nerine bowdenii and other members of the Nerine genus in the UK.
