Plant · GBIF taxon 5325855
Belladonna Lily
Amaryllis belladonnaAlso known as Jersey Lily, Naked Lady, March Lily, Pink Belladonna Lily
Belladonna lilies produce tall, leafless flower stalks topped with clusters of fragrant, rose-pink trumpet flowers in late summer and autumn. Dark green, strap-like foliage emerges after the blooms fade, persisting through winter to store energy in the underground bulb before dying back in summer. Native to South Africa's dry coastal slopes, these hardy perennials have naturalized in Mediterranean-style climates around the globe.
BulbousToxic PlantFragrant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Snails
- Slugs
- Narcissus Bulb Fly
ThreatsHabitat conversion in native range, over-collection
HabitatsFynbos, Mediterranean Scrub, Coastal Cliffs, Gardens
Life span20 to 50+ years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAmaryllidaceae
- SpeciesAmaryllis belladonna
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains toxic lycorine alkaloids; avoid ingestion and keep away from pets.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains lycorine and phenanthridine alkaloids that trigger severe vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and cardiac disturbances if eaten.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognize by dark purplish flower stems growing without leaves and carrying fragrant pink funnel flowers in late summer.
- What to do
- Do not ingest any part, wash hands after handling damaged bulbs, and restrict access for pets and livestock.
Responsible observation
- Garden Placement: Plant bulbs in full sun with their necks exposed slightly above well-drained soil.
- Pet Safeguards: Keep dogs and cats away from garden beds where these toxic bulbs are planted.
- Handling Advice: Wear gloves when dividing dense clumps or handling damaged tissues to protect sensitive skin.
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