Plant · GBIF taxon 5325855
Belladonna Lily
Amaryllis belladonnaAlso known as Jersey Lily, Naked Lady Lily, March Lily, Belladonna
Belladonna lilies produce clusters of fragrant, trumpet-shaped pink blooms atop stout, leafless stems in late summer. The bright green strap-like foliage emerges later during the wet winter months, photosynthesizing to store energy before dying back in spring. All parts of the plant, particularly the large underground bulbs, contain toxic alkaloids that deter mammalian herbivores.
FragrantToxic PlantPerennial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Snails
- Slugs
- Lily Caterpillars
ThreatsHabitat Loss (native range), Snail Damage
HabitatsFynbos, Mediterranean Scrub, Coastal Cliffs, Gardens
Life span20–50+ years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAsparagales
- FamilyAmaryllidaceae
- GenusAmaryllis
- SpeciesAmaryllis belladonna
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- All parts contain toxic lycorine alkaloids; avoid ingestion and keep away from pets and livestock.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains lycorine and other toxic alkaloids that cause severe gastrointestinal distress, drooling, and cardiac symptoms if ingested.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for stout leafless purplish-green stalks carrying large pink trumpet flowers emerging directly from dry soil in late summer.
- What to do
- Wear gloves when dividing underground bulbs, and ensure pets cannot dig up or chew on any part.
Responsible observation
- Planting Care: Position bulbs in full sun with the upper neck exposed slightly above the soil line.
- Pet Protection: Keep potted or garden specimens away from pets to prevent accidental poisoning.
- Dormancy Handling: Allow winter foliage to wither naturally in early summer to nourish upcoming blooms.
Co-Occurring Species (c) magriet b, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by magriet b · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Rawpixel Ltd, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Nicola van Berkel, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Leonora Enking, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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