Habranthus
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 Habranthus tubispathus
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Habranthus is a genus of tender herbaceous flowering bulbs in the Amaryllidaceae. The genus was first identified by pioneering bulb enthusiast William Herbert in 1824.
Along with Zephyranthes and Cooperia, Habranthus is one of several related genera commonly known as rainlilies. All three have starry, funnelform flowers and are native to tropical and semi-tropical regions of the Americas. Inflorescences are umbels bearing 2-3 flowers (Howard 77). Habranthus is distinct from Zephyranthes in holding its flowers at an angle rather than upright and in having less symmetrical flowers. They bloom most heavily in April through June, and are famous for blooming in response to rain. Individual bulbs are often capable of blooming more than once per year (Fellers 79).
Habranthus, like other rain lilies, is an heirloom plant that is not widely used in mainstream landscapes, perhaps because its bloom time, dependent on rain, is erratic. Nevertheless, the bulbs are rugged and easy to grow in zones 8-10 and are recognized among bulb specialists as possessing distinct landscape value (Ogden 5).
[edit] References
- Fellers, John D. "A Passion for Rainlilies: Cooperia, Habranthus, and Zephyranthes." Herbertia v51, 1996, pp 78-112.
- Howard, Thad M. Bulbs for Warm Climates. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press, 2001, pp 77-82.
- Ogden, Scott. Garden Bulbs for the South. Dallas, TX: Taylor Publishing Co., 1994, pp 5-27.
