Proiphys

Proiphys is a genus of herbaceous, perennial and bulbous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae.^[3] It consists of 4 species that are native to Southeast Asia and Australia.

Description

Members of Proiphys grow from bulbs and have deeply-veined leaves which are produced on long petioles. The fragrant white flowers are produced in umbel-like clusters on long stems. They open in succession over a prolonged period and last well. The fruits that develop on the flower heads often germinate on the plant (new plants can be grown from these). They contain one to several fleshy seeds. Plants die back to an underground bulb during winter and should not be disturbed at this time.^[4]

Species

The list of Proiphys species, with their complete scientific name and authority, is given below.^[5]

• Proiphys alba (R.Br.)Mabb.,^[6] distributed from New Guinea to Northern Australia.
• Proiphys amboinensis (L.) Herb. ^[1] distributed from Thailand to Northern Australia. It is known as "Cardwell Lily".^[7]:
• Proiphys cunninghamii (Aiton ex Lindl.) Mabb.,^[6] from South Eastern Queensland to North Eastern New South Wales. It is known as "Brisbane Lily" or "Moreton Bay Lily".^[7]
• Proiphys infundibularis D.L.Jones & Dowe,^[8] endemic to Queensland.

Uses

Their flowers and leaves make them desirable garden subjects, but they are not widely cultivated as ornamental plants. Proiphys are ideally suited to warm frost-free areas and can be grown in a rockery, beside a garden pool or in pots or tubs in cooler regions. They are hardy and easily grown although development to the flowering stage is slow. They do best in well composted soil in sheltered areas of the garden with little sun.^[4]

References