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Eucomis

Eucomis is a genus comprising 13 accepted species of bulbous perennial plants in the family Asparagaceae, native to southern Africa, and commonly known as pineapple lilies for their striking inflorescences that feature a dense spike of small, star-shaped flowers topped by a tuft of bract-like leaves resembling a pineapple crown.^[1]^[2]^[3] These plants typically form a basal rosette of broad, strap-shaped or lanceolate leaves, which are often semi-erect and can measure up to 60 cm in length, emerging from a large tunicated bulb that may reach 10 cm in diameter.^[4]^[5] The flowering stem arises from the center of the rosette, growing 30–80 cm tall depending on the species, and bears a conical or cylindrical raceme of numerous tiny, fragrant flowers in shades of white, green, pink, or purple, blooming primarily from summer to autumn in their native habitat.^[6]^[3] The genus name derives from the Greek words eu (well or beautiful) and komē (hair), alluding to the attractive "hairy" tuft of bracts crowning the flower spike.^[2] Native to subtropical and temperate regions of southern Africa, including South Africa (Cape Provinces, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces, Mpumalanga), Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Eucomis species are geophytes adapted to seasonally dry grasslands, rocky slopes, and forest margins where they experience summer rainfall and winter dormancy.^[1]^[5] In their natural environment, they propagate via bulb offsets and seeds, with bulbs often deeply buried to survive periodic droughts and occasional frost in higher elevations.^[3] Widely cultivated as ornamental plants in temperate gardens worldwide, Eucomis thrives in USDA zones 7–10, requiring full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and protection from excessive winter moisture; in cooler climates, bulbs are lifted and stored indoors during dormancy.^[5]^[3] Popular species include E. comosa, with purple-margined white flowers, and E. bicolor, noted for its bicolored blooms, while hybrids like 'Sparkling Burgundy' enhance garden diversity with their dramatic foliage and inflorescences.^[6]^[7]

Description

Morphology

Eucomis species are bulbous perennials characterized by tunicated bulbs that consist of a dry outer tunic enclosing fleshy scales, with diameters reaching up to 10 cm in larger species such as E. comosa. These bulbs are typically ovoid and solitary or produce offsets, featuring cream-colored inner scales and a pale brown tunic for protection.^[8]^[9] The plants form basal rosettes of strap-shaped, fleshy leaves that measure 20-60 cm in length, often displaying wavy margins and varying in color from plain green to spotted or striped patterns, as seen in E. comosa var. striata. These leaves are broad and lanceolate, providing a lush, upright to spreading habit that emerges in spring.^[8]^[5] Erect scapes arise from the rosette, ranging 20-80 cm tall, and bear dense, cylindrical racemes of star-shaped flowers topped by a distinctive tuft of green, leaf-like bracts that resemble a pineapple crown. This coma of bracts is a hallmark of the genus, enhancing the inflorescence's ornamental appearance.^[10]^[8] Individual flowers feature six tepals in shades of white, green, or purple, accompanied by six stamens and a superior ovary, arranged in a campanulate to star-like form along the raceme. Following pollination, the ovary develops into a trilocular capsule containing shiny black, rounded seeds.^[10]^[11] Overall, Eucomis plants exhibit a habit of 30-100 cm in height, with variations influenced by ploidy level; diploid species tend to be shorter and more compact compared to larger polyploid forms.^[8]

Reproduction

Eucomis species exhibit a reproductive strategy typical of geophytes, combining sexual reproduction via seeds with vegetative propagation through offsets, ensuring both genetic diversity and clonal persistence in their native habitats. Flowering occurs primarily from summer to autumn, varying by species and regional climate; for instance, E. autumnalis blooms in mid to late summer (December to February in southern Africa), while E. zambesiaca flowers in early to mid-summer and extends into late summer to autumn.^[11]^[12] In contrast, E. regia, native to winter-rainfall regions, flowers during winter.^[13] Pollination is predominantly entomophilous, with insects such as pompilid wasps (Hemipepsis spp.), flies, and bees serving as primary vectors, attracted by nectar and species-specific floral scents like monoterpenes and benzenoids.^[14] In E. autumnalis and E. comosa, wasps carry substantial pollen loads (averaging 964–1362 grains per wasp) and effect efficient pollen transfer, often resulting in single-visit seed set of about 0.14 seeds per flower in E. comosa.^[15] Most species, including E. autumnalis, E. comosa, and E. regia, are self-incompatible, with cross-pollination yielding significantly higher seed set (5.6–7 seeds per fruit) compared to self-pollination (0.1–1 seed per fruit).^[14]^[16] However, E. regia represents an evolutionary shift, pollinated by small mammals like mice (Micaelamys namaquensis) and elephant-shrews, which are drawn to distinct scents such as methional and exo-brevicomin.^[16] Following pollination, fertilized ovaries develop into papery, ovoid to obtriangular capsules that dehisce longitudinally, releasing a few shiny black, rounded seeds per locule.^[11] Natural seed set varies, with 1.4–8.3 seeds per flower observed in E. autumnalis and E. comosa, though germination poses challenges due to dormancy and environmental factors like temperature, leading to slow propagation rates.^[14] Seed viability can be assessed by flotation tests, but overall rates are low, limiting reliance on sexual reproduction in wild populations.^[17] Vegetative reproduction occurs annually via offset bulbils produced at the base of the parent bulb, facilitating clonal spread and colony formation in suitable soils.^[18] These offsets, which mature over several seasons, contribute to population persistence, especially under conditions where sexual reproduction is constrained by pollinator availability or seed germination failure.^[19] As geophytes, Eucomis species follow a seasonal life cycle with active growth and reproduction during the wetter summer months, followed by dormancy in winter when bulbs enter a dry, resting phase to survive drought and frost.^[13] Ploidy levels influence fertility, with most species diploid (basic chromosome number x = 15, 2C DNA content 21–31 pg), exhibiting higher seed fertility compared to polyploid variants, where increased genome size may reduce reproductive output due to meiotic irregularities.^[20] This dormancy period synchronizes emergence with favorable conditions, enhancing survival in variable Mediterranean and summer-rainfall habitats.

Taxonomy

Etymology and history

The genus name Eucomis is derived from the Greek words eu- (beautiful or good) and komē (hair), referring to the tuft of leafy bracts crowning the inflorescence, which resembles a beautiful head of hair.^[5]^[21] The genus was formally established in 1789 by French botanist Charles Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle in his publication Sertum Anglicum, with Eucomis regia (originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Fritillaria regia, based on plants from the Cape of Good Hope) as the type species, alongside Eucomis punctata (now a synonym of E. comosa).^[1]^[22] These early introductions to Europe occurred primarily through the Cape Colony, a key stopover for ships en route to the East Indies, facilitating the exchange of South African flora among botanists.^[13] Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg, during his extensive explorations in South Africa from 1772 to 1775, collected numerous bulbous plants from the region, contributing foundational material for later taxonomic work on genera like Eucomis. In the late 19th century, English botanist John Gilbert Baker advanced the understanding of the genus by describing several new species, such as E. bicolor and E. amaryllidifolia, in publications like The Gardeners' Chronicle in 1878.^[7]^[23] Nomenclatural adjustments have included the transfer of species from related genera like Fritillaria, and historical synonyms such as Leadbitteria have been resolved in favor of Eucomis. Post-2000 studies, including flow cytometry analyses of genome sizes, have clarified ploidy levels and hybrid origins within the genus; the 2009 study recognized 12 species, while the description of E. sonnetteana in 2019 supports the current recognition of 13 species.^[20]^[24]^[1] These investigations, led by researchers like G.D. Duncan and O. Zonneveld, have refined species boundaries, particularly for those in the winter-rainfall regions of southern Africa.

Classification

Eucomis is a genus within the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae, tribe Hyacintheae, subtribe Massoniinae.^[1]^[25] Previously classified in the family Liliaceae or the segregate Hyacinthaceae in older systems, its placement in Asparagaceae was confirmed by molecular phylogenetic analyses in the APG III classification of 2009.^[20] Phylogenetically, Eucomis is closely related to genera such as Ledebouria, Lachenalia, and Massonia within subtribe Massoniinae, based on plastid DNA and morphological studies of the former tribe Massonieae.^[8] Drimia represents a more distant relative in the broader subfamily Scilloideae, particularly in tribe Urgineae.^[26] The genus exhibits a base chromosome number of x = 15, with most species being diploid (2n = 30) or tetraploid (2n = 60).^[8]^[26] Informally, species are divided into two groups: shorter-stemmed diploids, such as E. bicolor and E. regia, and taller-stemmed tetraploids, like E. comosa and E. pallidiflora, though no formal subgenera are recognized.

Species

The genus Eucomis comprises 13 accepted species, primarily native to southern Africa, which are distinguished by variations in plant height, flower color and scent, leaf morphology including spotting, and ploidy levels, with most falling into diploid (2n=2x=30) or tetraploid (2n=4x=60) groups (as of 2025).^[1] These cytological differences correlate with size, as diploids tend to be shorter and more compact, while tetraploids are generally taller and more robust.^[8] The diploid species include E. amaryllidifolia Baker, a small plant reaching 13–30 cm tall with white flowers, narrower leaves than related taxa, and a clavate scape, endemic to the Eastern Cape.^[8] E. bicolor Baker is notable for its bicolored tepals (greenish-white with purple margins), cylindrical scape up to 60 cm, and often purple leaf bases, with a fetid odor.^[8] E. grimshawii G.D.Duncan & Zonn., one of the rarest species, is the smallest at 8–10 cm tall, featuring greenish-white sweet-scented flowers, pale green leaves without spots, and a clavate scape; it was newly described in 2009.^[8] E. regia (L.) L'Hér. blooms in winter, growing to 20 cm with green unpleasant-smelling flowers, red-spotted leaves, and a clavate scape.^[8] E. schijffii G.D.Duncan, endangered and short at up to 15 cm, has bluish-grey leaves with maroon undersides, purplish-maroon fetid flowers, and a clavate scape.^[8] E. vandermerwei J.C.Manning reaches 24 cm with white flowers, brownish-maroon tepals, cryptically marked foliage, and a cylindrical scape bearing a fetid scent.^[8] E. zambesiaca Baker, the northernmost species at up to 30 cm, produces creamy-white sweet-scented flowers on a cylindrical scape, with uniformly pale green unspotted leaves.^[8] E. sonnetteana N.R.Crouch, Mart.-Azorín & J.E.Burrows, described in 2019 with unknown ploidy (likely diploid based on its habit), is a dwarf at 5–6.5 cm tall, with white campanulate flowers emitting a pungent scent, narrowly ovate pale green immaculate leaves, and a very short peduncle.^[24] Tetraploid species are typically larger and include E. autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt., autumn-blooming to 50 cm with greenish-cream flowers and undulate leaf margins on cylindrical scapes; it has two subspecies, autumnalis (widespread with variable forms) and clavata (Baker) Reyneke (with more robust clavate scapes).^[8] E. comosa (Houtt.) H.R.Wehrh., the tallest at up to 75 cm, features purple-tinged starry flowers with a sweet scent, often spotted or striped leaf bases, and cylindrical scapes.^[8] E. humilis Baker, a dwarf highland form at up to 40 cm, has foul-smelling greenish-cream flowers, variable scape shapes (cylindrical to clavate), and unspotted leaves.^[8] E. montana Compton ex J.C.Manning is robust and montane at 50 cm, with green flowers and purple filaments, spotted leaves, and clavate scapes.^[8] E. pallidiflora Baker reaches giant proportions up to 100 cm with pale green sweet-smelling flowers on long pedicels and cylindrical scapes, lacking leaf spots.^[8] Hybrids and cultivars derived from these species, such as E. 'Sparkling Burgundy' (a selection from E. comosa with deep purple foliage and pinkish flowers), enhance ornamental diversity but are not part of the wild taxonomy.^[1]

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

Eucomis is endemic to southern Africa, with its native range extending from Malawi and Zimbabwe in the north to South Africa in the south, encompassing Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zambia.^[27] The genus comprises 13 species, primarily distributed in the summer-rainfall regions of eastern and northern South Africa, with one species in the winter-rainfall area.^[22]^[1] Individual species show distinct distributional patterns within this overall range. For instance, E. zambesiaca occurs in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and the Limpopo Province of South Africa, marking the northernmost extent of the genus.^[28] E. comosa is widespread across the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces in eastern South Africa.^[5] In contrast, E. regia is restricted to the Western Cape Province, the only species in the winter-rainfall fynbos biome.^[29] Biogeographically, the genus exhibits concentrations in key regions, including the Drakensberg Mountains where about four species occur, and the Cape floral region.^[21] Species are found across an altitudinal gradient from sea level to 3000 m, reflecting adaptations to diverse elevations.^[30] Molecular studies since 2010, including genome size analyses, have refined species boundaries and confirmed distributions without indicating major range shifts, though local population declines have been observed in some areas.^[20]

Environmental preferences

Eucomis species thrive in summer rainfall zones across southern Africa, where annual precipitation typically ranges from 500 to 1200 mm, concentrated during the growing season from October to March. These plants experience mild winters with occasional frost, prompting a period of dormancy during the dry season when above-ground parts die back to conserve resources.^[30] They favor well-drained sandy or loamy soils that support root development while preventing waterlogging. Tolerance for rocky outcrops is common, allowing growth in uneven terrains with mineral-rich substrates that mimic natural seepage areas.^[5] Elevation preferences vary by species, with larger forms such as E. comosa occurring in lowland swamps, grasslands, and stream banks below 1000 m, while dwarf species like E. humilis are adapted to high-altitude montane grasslands and rocky seeps between 2220 and 2900 m. Microhabitats often include seasonally wet slopes or protected gullies that retain moisture amid surrounding drier conditions.^[30]^[31]^[21] Key adaptations include bulb dormancy, which enables survival through extended dry periods in winter by storing nutrients underground. In grassy habitats, many species demonstrate fire tolerance, as periodic veld fires stimulate flowering and promote new growth by clearing competing vegetation.^[32]

Ecology and conservation

Ecological interactions

Eucomis species are primarily entomophilous, relying on insect pollinators for reproduction in their native South African habitats. Most species, such as E. autumnalis and E. comosa, are pollinated by wasps (e.g., Pompilidae), which are attracted to floral scents dominated by compounds like linalool, while carrying significant amounts of pollen on their bodies during active visitation.^[33] In contrast, species like E. bicolor and E. humilis attract carrion flies (Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae) through the emission of sulphur volatiles such as dimethyl disulphide and trisulphide, mimicking decaying matter to facilitate pollination.^[34] Floral morphology across these species features greenish-white stars in dense spikes, with scents serving as the primary attractant rather than visual cues, adapting to diurnal insect activity in open grasslands.^[16] One exception, E. regia, has shifted to mammal pollination by small rodents and elephant-shrews, drawn to potato-like scents including methional, highlighting evolutionary flexibility in pollination strategies.^[16] Seed dispersal in Eucomis occurs mainly through dehiscence of the capsules, with seeds falling short distances from the parent plant, possibly assisted by wind. While some Amaryllidaceae relatives exhibit myrmecochory via elaiosome-equipped seeds, no direct evidence confirms ant-mediated dispersal in Eucomis, though wind may enhance secondary relocation of dehisced seeds.^[35] Herbivory affects Eucomis in native ecosystems, with bulbs and foliage browsed by large ungulates such as antelope in South African grasslands, potentially influencing population dynamics through selective grazing pressure.^[36] Symbiotic relationships, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal associations common in the Asparagaceae family, aid nutrient uptake in nutrient-poor soils, enhancing plant resilience in rocky or sandy habitats.^[37] Eucomis contributes to ecosystem biodiversity in southern African grasslands and afromontane regions, where species like E. sonnetteana and E. comosa enrich geophyte diversity and support pollinator networks as key wildflowers.^[24] These plants serve as indicators of intact grassland health, thriving in fire-prone, seasonal environments that maintain habitat heterogeneity, though some occur on fynbos margins in the Western Cape.^[38] Their presence underscores the biome's high endemism and pollinator-dependent interactions, bolstering overall floral richness.^[39]

Threats and status

The primary threats to Eucomis species stem from overharvesting of bulbs for traditional medicinal use and habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, urbanization, and afforestation. Species such as E. autumnalis and E. comosa are particularly affected by unsustainable collection for the muti trade, with high demand in markets across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape leading to significant population decreases; for instance, traders report E. autumnalis becoming scarce, with declining bulb sizes observed between 1995 and 2001 and a 100% increase in harvesting travel times requiring an additional four or more hours.^[40] Similarly, E. comosa shows evidence of decline from sporadic but ongoing trade, though the extent remains unclear due to its wider distribution.^[41] Habitat degradation exacerbates these pressures, as seen in E. vandermerwei, where timber plantations, overgrazing by livestock, and potential coal mining have contributed to the loss of subpopulations, including one group of 45 individuals that has disappeared.^[42] Most Eucomis species are assessed as Least Concern on the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Red List due to their relatively broad distributions, but several show declining trends from harvesting pressures, and E. vandermerwei is classified as Vulnerable under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v), reflecting its restricted extent of occurrence (2,726 km² across eight locations) and ongoing habitat fragmentation.^[43] Other taxa, including E. bicolor and E. pallidiflora subsp. pole-evansii, are Near Threatened, while E. autumnalis subspp., E. comosa vars., and E. montana are noted as declining despite Least Concern status.^[43] Few Eucomis species have been evaluated on the IUCN Red List, with E. vandermerwei previously listed as Endangered in 1997 but not currently reassessed at the global level.^[44] Conservation efforts include protection within key areas such as the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, where much of the E. bicolor population is safeguarded, and propagation initiatives by South African botanic gardens, such as those outlined in SANBI's 2007 handbook on growing rare plants, which emphasize ex situ cultivation to offset wild harvesting since the early 2010s.^[45] No Eucomis species are currently listed under CITES Appendices, though general recommendations for monitoring medicinal bulb trade apply. Looking ahead, climate change poses additional risks through altered rainfall patterns in southern Africa, potentially disrupting the summer-growing habits of these geophytes in grassland and wetland habitats, alongside calls for sustainable harvesting practices like bulb part substitution to mitigate overexploitation.^[46]^[47]

Cultivation and uses

Ornamental growing

Eucomis species and hybrids are valued in ornamental gardening for their striking, pineapple-like flower spikes and architectural foliage, making them suitable for borders, containers, and mixed plantings. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to promote robust flowering.^[48]^[49] In hotter climates, partial afternoon shade prevents scorching of the leaves. These plants are hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10, tolerating dormant temperatures down to -5°C to -10°C with appropriate protection.^[49]^[3] In colder regions within zone 7, mulching the bulbs heavily with organic matter in fall or lifting them for indoor storage during winter is recommended to prevent frost damage.^[48]^[49] For optimal growth, plant Eucomis bulbs in spring after the last frost, at a depth of 10-15 cm and spaced 15-20 cm apart, in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost to ensure good aeration and nutrient availability.^[48]^[50] Poor drainage can lead to bulb rot, so amending heavy clay soils with sand or grit is essential. During the active growing season from spring to late summer, provide regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, mimicking their native summer rainfall patterns in southern Africa.^[18]^[49] In winter, allow the foliage to die back naturally and keep the soil dry to induce dormancy, as excess moisture at this stage can cause decay.^[48]^[51] Most Eucomis, such as E. comosa and its hybrids, perform well outdoors in temperate gardens but may require greenhouse protection in persistently wet climates to avoid winter rot during dormancy.^[52] In contrast, E. regia, a winter-growing species, tolerates wetter conditions better and can be grown in a greenhouse or conservatory in areas with heavy winter rainfall to replicate its natural habitat.^[22] Popular hybrids like E. 'Oakhurst', with its dark purple foliage and white flowers, are ideal for sunny borders or large containers, adding dramatic contrast in mixed perennial displays.^[51]

Propagation techniques

Eucomis species can be propagated through several methods suited to cultivation, with seed sowing, bulbil division, and tissue culture being the primary techniques for producing new plants.^[6] Seed propagation involves sowing fresh seeds collected in autumn directly into well-drained seed compost. Germination typically occurs within 4-6 weeks when maintained at temperatures of 15-20°C in a bright, indirect light position.^[52] For enhanced germination, particularly in Eucomis autumnalis, pretreatments such as dark conditioning at 25°C for 14 days followed by exposure to a smoke-derived compound like 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one can achieve up to 100% germination with a mean time of about 31 days.^[53] Seeds should be sown in autumn or spring to align with natural cycles, and seedlings require careful watering to establish without damping off.^[54] Bulbil division, or offset separation, is a faster vegetative method that exploits the bulb structure's production of small offsets around the parent bulb. During the dormant period in late winter or early spring, offsets are gently separated from the mature bulb once they have developed their own roots, then immediately replanted at a depth of 10-15 cm in fertile, well-drained soil.^[6] This approach allows new plants to reach flowering size in 2-3 years, significantly quicker than seed-raised specimens, and maintains clonal fidelity for desirable cultivars.^[52] Tissue culture techniques, particularly twin-scaling and leaf explant methods, are employed for mass propagation of rare or commercially valuable Eucomis species. In twin-scaling, bulb scales are cut into twin segments and cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with cytokinins like benzyladenine, inducing shoot formation in 8-12 weeks for species such as Eucomis autumnalis, E. comosa, and E. zambesiaca.^[55] A 2019 study incorporated smoke-water or karrikinolide in vitro for Eucomis autumnalis to enhance phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in regenerants.^[56] These methods are ideal for conservation but require sterile conditions and expertise to avoid contamination. Propagation is best timed for spring in temperate climates to coincide with active growth, allowing establishment before summer flowering. Challenges include preventing bulb rot from overwatering, especially in heavy soils, which can be mitigated by using gritty compost and ensuring good drainage; excessive moisture during dormancy can reduce offset viability.^[57]

Traditional applications

In southern African traditional medicine, species of the genus Eucomis, particularly E. autumnalis and E. comosa, have been employed for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, with bulbs serving as the primary plant part used. These bulbs are prepared as decoctions, infusions, or enemas in water or milk to address respiratory infections such as colds and coughs (E. autumnalis), venereal diseases, rheumatism, kidney and bladder infections, and wounds or sores (E. comosa).^[58]^[59]^[11]^[60] Pharmacological studies have provided evidence supporting some of these traditional applications, identifying anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in Eucomis extracts that align with their use for rheumatism, infections, and wound healing. For instance, high cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory activity has been observed in E. autumnalis and E. bicolor, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects, while antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi has been demonstrated in bulb extracts. Key bioactive compounds include homoisoflavanones, which exhibit antitumor, cytotoxic, and antiplasmodial activities, and the nortriterpene eucosterol, isolated from Eucomis bulbs, noted for its potential antimicrobial contributions. A 2013 review highlights the genus's promise for drug development, particularly in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapies, though further clinical validation is needed.^[58]^[61]^[62] The cultural significance of Eucomis is deeply rooted in the practices of Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana, and Sotho healers, who incorporate the plants into holistic healing rituals known as muti. Bulbs are valued for their perceived spiritual and physical restorative powers, often administered to aid postoperative recovery or alleviate pain. However, their popularity in traditional markets has driven extensive trade, leading to overexploitation of wild populations and contributing to conservation challenges.^[58]^[40] As of 2025, modern applications of Eucomis remain limited primarily to ornamental gardening, with no widespread commercial medicinal products derived from the genus despite ongoing research into its pharmacological potential.^[58]

References

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### Genus Description for Eucomis
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The pineapple lilies are tropical perennial bulbs in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) native to South Africa. This genus contains 13 accepted species.
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Eucomis comosa, or pineapple lily, is a bulb from South Africa with dark green, purple-spotted leaves and greenish-white, purple-tinged flowers, growing 1.5-2 ...
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No readable text found in the HTML.<|separator|>
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It flowers in early to midsummer (from December to February), and from late summer into autumn (February to April), the capsules start to ripen. This species is ...
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However, the main production challenges with Eucomis species are a failure to germinate and slow propagation rates which have been linked to anatomical and ...Missing: capsules dehisce winged viability
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Dec 10, 2009 · Eucomis is characterized by the presence of a coma or tuft of leaf-like bracts that develop above the inflorescence. The most recent ...
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The name Eucomis is derived from the Greek word Euckomos, meaning beautiful hair or topknot. ... Eucomis is a very small genus consisting of about 10 species that ...
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It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, as Fritillaria regia. It was moved to Eucomis by Charles L'Héritier in 1789.Missing: Lejeune | Show results with:Lejeune
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The native range of this species is E. Cape Prov. to Free State. It is a bulbous geophyte and grows primarily in the subtropical biome. Taxonomy ...
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Genus: Eucomis L`Her. ; Family: Asparagaceae. Subfamily: Scilloideae. Tribe: Hyacintheae. Subtribe: Massoniinae. Genus number: 709. Last updated: 07-Jul-2016.
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This bulbus gem, is a dwarf species of Eucomis, growing 50–65 mm tall. The underground bulb is egg-shaped, made up of creamy white scales covered by dark brown ...Missing: ploidy | Show results with:ploidy
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Eucomis schijffii - PlantZAfrica |
Eucomis schijffii is an alpine bulb with a striking rosette of bluish-grey leaves and a short raceme of purplish-maroon, fetid blooms. It is frost-hardy and ...
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The native range of this species is Malawi to Linpopo. It is a bulbous geophyte and grows primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome.
[30]
Eucomis regia (L.) L'Hér. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science
Eucomis regia (L.) L'Hér. ... The native range of this species is Cape Prov. It is a bulbous geophyte and grows primarily in the subtropical biome.
[31]
Eucomis Two - Pacific Bulb Society
Mar 3, 2025 · Eucomis is a southern African genus in the Hyacinthaceae family. Plants are commonly known as Pineapple lilies because in many of the ...
[32]
Dwarf Pineapple Lily - Red List of South African Plants - SANBI
Dwarf Pineapple Lily ; Taxonomy ; Scientific Name. Eucomis humilis Baker ; Higher Classification. Monocotyledons ; Family. HYACINTHACEAE ; Common Names. Dwarf ...
[33]
[PDF] Grassland Garden Series - The Botanical Society of South Africa
Grassland species are adapted to fire. Fire promotes new growth in many ... Eucomis autumnalis is a large, deciduous bulb indigenous to grasslands ...
[34]
key role for floral scent in a wasp-pollination system in Eucomis ...
Dec 30, 2008 · These wasps carry considerably more Eucomis pollen and are more active on flowers than other visiting insects. Furthermore, experiments ...
[35]
The missing stink: sulphur compounds can mediate a shift between ...
Most Eucomis species appear to be either wasp- or fly-pollinated, suggesting one or more shifts between these pollination systems.
[36]
When I Collect Pineapple Lily Seeds - MrBrownThumb
Aug 23, 2007 · I decided to make a quick post to show what a Pineapple Lily seed pod looks like before and after it is ready to release the seeds.Missing: winged black<|separator|>
[37]
Eucomis - Pacific Bulb Society
Jun 30, 2025 · Eucomis is a southern African genus in the Hyacinthaceae family. The name is derived from the Greek word Eukomos, meaning "Beautifully Haired". ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
[38]
[PDF] THE BIOLOGY OF POLLINATION AND SEED DISPERSAL IN ...
Linking pollination systems with available phylogenies indicated a shift occurred from bird to butterfly pollination, accompanied by the evolution of upright ...
[39]
Density and potential utilisation of medicinal grassland plants from ...
This study investigated the potential for sustainably harvesting medicinal plants. Medicinal plant use data on local species, parts used and harvesting ...
[40]
[PDF] Mycorrhizal Status of Plant Families and Genera
Jun 9, 2020 · Pineapple Guava. Yes. Callistemon. Bottlebrush. Yes. Yes. Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus, Silver Dollar. Gum. Yes. Yes. Page 15. Page | 15. Mycorrhizal ...Missing: Eucomis | Show results with:Eucomis
[41]
Pollination and breeding systems of selected wildflowers in a ...
Southern African grasslands harbour diverse plant communities, and recent studies have revealed remarkable plant–pollinator interactions in this biome.
[42]
Eucomis comosa | PlantZAfrica
Eucomis is a member of the Hyacinthaceae (hyacinth family), which is a family of perennial bulbous herbs consisting of ± 46 genera and ± 900 species found ...<|separator|>
[43]
Pineapple Lily - Red List of South African Plants - SANBI
Damp, open grassland and sheltered places from the coast to 2450 m. Threats. Eucomis autumnalis ssp. is a highly sought after taxa that that has been critically ...Missing: IUCN | Show results with:IUCN
[44]
Eucomis comosa (Houtt.) Wehrh. - Red List of South African Plants
Status and Criteria. Least Concern. Assessment Date. 2016/06/28. Assessor(s) ... Threats. Eucomis comosa has only recently been recorded in the Durban ...Missing: conservation IUCN
[45]
Crinkle-leaf Pineapple Lily - Red List of South African Plants - SANBI
Eucomis vandermerwei has an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 2726 km² and is known from eight locations. It has lost habitat to timber plantations and is ...
[46]
Red Listed medicinal plants of South Africa: Status, trends, and ...
Since harvesting is usually not a threat to non-traded medicinal taxa, evaluations of the threats to these species were mostly reliant on information ...
[47]
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12415516_Plant_part_substitution_-_A_way_to_conserve_endangered_medicinal_plants
[48]
Eucomis bicolor | PlantZAfrica - SANBI
Distribution and habitat · This species occurs along the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Lesotho. It grows in damp, grassy gullies, montane forest ...
[49]
[PDF] Plant Conservation in National Botanical Gardens of South Africa
Nov 22, 2024 · are threatened with extinction from overharvesting and habitat destruction (Bal- ... information on threat status of plants. Changed human actions ...
[50]
Plant part substitution - A way to conserve endangered medicinal ...
Aug 5, 2025 · Over‐harvesting, habitat loss and fragmentation, and biological invasions have led to a sharp decline in wild medicinal plants population in ...
[51]
Eucomis / RHS Gardening
Eucomis (pineapple flowers) may look exotic, with their blooms being crowned by a tuft of leaves, but they are, in fact, quite easy to grow.
[52]
Pineapple Lilies | Home & Garden Information Center - Clemson HGIC
Aug 4, 2022 · The genus name, Eucomis, is derived from the Greek word eu, meaning good, and kome, which means hair and describes the tufted leaves at the top ...Missing: morphology | Show results with:morphology<|control11|><|separator|>
[53]
Growing Guide: How to Grow Eucomis - Dutch Grown
Jul 29, 2022 · These bulbs are best planted in the spring. Requiring only a little bit of care, Eucomis can flower for years! These beauties will bloom in the ...Missing: reproduction bulbils
[54]
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/6919/eucomis-bicolor/details
[55]
How to grow Eucomis and the best types to plant - Gardens Illustrated
Sep 13, 2023 · Growing Eucomis by seed ... They germinate readily from seed collected in the autumn and sown in the spring, and can also be propagated by leaf ...Missing: bulbils | Show results with:bulbils
[56]
Dark conditioning, cold stratification and a smoke-derived ...
Dark conditioning, cold stratification and a smoke-derived compound enhance the germination of Eucomis autumnalis subsp. autumnalis seeds. Author links open ...
[57]
Eucomis bicolor|two-coloured pineapple lily/RHS Gardening
Propagation. Propagate by seed, sown in autumn or spring. Alternatively remove offsets in spring ; Pruning. No pruning required ; Pests. Generally pest-free ...
[58]
In Vitro Propagation of Eucomis autumnalis, E. comosa, and E ...
Shoot formed in vitro from twin-scale explants of Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt., E. comosa (Houtt.) Wehrh., and E. zambesiaca Bak. cultured on Murashige ...Missing: paper | Show results with:paper
[59]
Potential of Smoke-Water and One of Its Active Compounds ...
Dec 3, 2019 · Thus, the current study evaluated the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in in vitro regenerants and acclimatized Eucomis autumnalis ...Missing: post- | Show results with:post-
[60]
Leaf Cuttings | RHS Advice
### Summary: Propagating Eucomis Using Leaf Cuttings
[61]
Pharmacological potential and conservation prospect of the genus ...
Jan 10, 2014 · Evidence from traditional medicine usage shows wide utilization of this genus for ailments such as respiratory, venereal diseases, rheumatism ...
[62]
The traditional use of southern African medicinal plants in the ...
Jul 27, 2020 · Infusions and decoctions are used to treat coughs, colds, influenza and bronchitis. Fresh leaves may also be inserted directly into the nose.
[63]
An ethnobotanical survey of traditional medicinal plants used ...
Roots, Infusion is used to treat sores, boils and internal tumours. Solanaceae ... Eucomis comosa, Euphorbia clavarioides and Rumex obtusifolius. Ricinus ...
[64]
Eucosterol, a novel spirocyclic nortriterpene isolated from bulbs of ...
Eucosterol, a novel spirocyclic nortriterpene isolated from bulbs of Eucomis species ... Chemical Society. For permission to reproduce, republish and ...
[65]
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.002