Eucharis is a small genus in the Amaryllidaceae family. It contains 16 species of petiolate-leaved, rainforest understory with a range from Guatemala to Bolivia.
Eucharis amazonica is widely cultivated, although very commonly confused with E. x grandiflora. Staminal cup measuring 11.2-13.8mm long to apex of teeth and 28-30mm wide, margins slightly recurved, interior stained green particularly along filamental traces, shallowly cleft between stamens. This species has a narrow distribution from Huallaga valley near Moyobamba and Tarapoto, northeastern Peru. This species is at least partly sterile (Meerow 1989). Viable seeds have never been produced in cultivation and is thought the whole population to be a single clone. Plants flowering at least twice a year, July-August and December-March. Flower fragrance is sweet and spicy and seems stronger during the day.
In cultivation, this plant can be grown as a houseplant with little humidity in the air. A slightly sunny window with filtered light is best, although some members find that too much direct light can cause the leaves to scorch. During the active growing season, it also likes a lot of water and occasional fertilizers if possible. The mix should be rich in organic matter but well drained. In tropical climates, the plant will bloom naturally without special treatment. In other climate, drought or temperature stress is necessary to induce bloom. To drought stress, during spring and fall, allow the leaves to flop a little before watering again (Marc Hachadourian). To cold stress, grow at 80F followed by a drop in temperature for 3-5 weeks at 70F induced a 95% flowering rate (J. van Bragt et al. 1986). The photos below were taken by Nhu Nguyen of a plant that went through major stress, including root disturbance and defoliation. It responded by flowering.
Eucharis formosa is a variable species native mostly to Ecuador, Peru and Columbia. It can be found in rich, moist soil in premontane and lower montane rainforest 100-1800m (330-5900ft). In habitat it flowers from January-March. "Floral fragrance slightly fetid; flowers pendent; staminal cup less than 15 mm long to apex of teeth or lobes, cleft 3-5 mm between each stamen, nonplicate; staminal teeth (if present) much less than half the length of the subulate portion of the filament; style exserted ca. 1cm beyond the anthers" (Meerow 1989). In cultivation it grows well as a houseplant with very little light requirements, although it will bloom better with more than average indoor light. Give the plant a well-drained, high organic mix and water frequently with occasional fertilizer. The strain in cultivation is self-compatible.
Eucharis fosteri see Caliphruria subedentata
Eucharis x grandiflora is a natural hybrid of Eucharis moorei x Eucharis sanderi that is often confused with E. amazonica. It is found from Colombia to Ecuador, and is one of the few in cultivation. The flowers are white and fragrant flowers. Staminal cups much shorter than 5-7mm long to apex of teeth, 23-25mm wide, green in the proximal half, white distally. The first photo is from Sheila Burrow. The second was taken June 2004 by Jay Yourch. Osmani Baullosa took #3-4 showing the buds and a close-up of a blooming flower. Photos #5-6 were contributed by the UC Botanical Garden.
Eucharis plicata is native from Peru to Bolivia. It is found on the understory of wet primary forests. The species is named because of the plicate (pleats) folding of the staminal cup. Photo by Nhu Nguyen.
