eucomis (pineapple flower, pineapple lily)

eucomis is a genus of the scilloideae subfamily within the asparagaceae family and contains approx. 10 members. most of them are native to south africa. only eucomis zambesiaca can also be found in malawi and zimbabwe.

the commonly known as pineapple flowers or pineapple lilies plants are related to ornithogalum.

the flowers of eucomis bicolor

the flowers of some species have an unpleasant smell. which helps them to be pollinated by flies. flowering time is from june to october. the flowers can last for six weeks or more.

propagation can be done with seeds, leaf cuttings or offsets.

leaf cutting with baby bulb from eucomis autumnalis

the members of the genus eucomis are suitable for sunny to light shaded places. they go dormant during winter.