Worsleya procera syn. Worsleya rayneri ( Empress of Brazil)
Both names are still in use.
To learn more about what name to use for this plant please consult the following
note supplied by Lee Poulsen to the pbs list from David Mabberley who has restored the name Worsleya procera to this plant that has been widely known as Worsleya rayneri. For another take on the correct name for this plant and how to tell it apart from Hippeastrum James Waddick provided a
summary from Veronica Read's book on Hippeastrum. Worsleya is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family.
This magnificent native of Brazil is not one of the easiest plants to grow and flower. This large spectacular plant is unfortunately rare in cultivation, which is a pity, as it would make a splendid pot plant. It is a real show-stopper with its clusters of gorgeous lilac-blue flowers, speckled mauve within, blooming in mid-summer on stems up to 1.5 meters tall.
It is very exact in its requirements, its potting medium, care and position. Fertilization only occurs when pollen of another clone is present.
In its native habitat these plants grow on steep granite cliffs, fully exposed to wind, rain and sunshine, constantly subjected to mist from waterfalls. Successful cultivation depends on providing suitable conditions. A position in bright light, not necessary full sun, but morning sun, would suit it best. Grown and photographed by Bill Dijk who has provided this information.
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I can't believe I managed to flower this! And even though I think my bulb is still rather young, it still managed to put out two flowers. This clone is from bulbs grown in the mountains above Veracruz, Mexico from a bulb originally from Brazil. Interestingly, the flower color was kind of pale the very first day they opened, then intensified the next day. Photos taken Sept. 2004 by Lee Poulsen.
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