Pamianthe is a small genus in the Amaryllidaceae family of two species from Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, Pamianthe peruviana and Pamianthe parviflora.
Pamianthe peruviana is the most commonly grown species. It grows as an epiphyte on tree branches in moist forests in Peru. It prefers moderate temperatures, and can do well as a houseplant if grown like an orchid in a very open mix. It is not tolerant of extreme heat or cold. The flowers are produced in early winter and are on very short stems, each producing a pair of large scented flowers. The flowering tube is an amazing 20-25cm long, and must need a very specialized pollinator. Each flower has a central corolla, and opens a greenish yellow which lightens to pure white, measuring about 15cm across. Seeds take about 15 months to ripen, and plants are self-compatible. The bulb has the appearance of a leek, with a long neck formed by the bases of the leaves, and needs to be grown on the surface of the mix. Bulbs will naturally try to grow horizontally, with the long arching leaves spreading downwards. I had three bulbs flower this year. Text and photos by Diana Chapman.
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