Flower of the Month – March 2019

Name: Pineapple Lily

Other names: Pineapple Flower.

Colours: White to pale pink to light purple.

Family: Hyacinthaceae (yes, they are related to hyacinths)   Genus: Eucomis

Availability:  Late Summer and Autumn

What’s in a name:   The genus Eucomis derives its name from the Greek "eu" for “good” and "kome" for “hair,” which is referring to the tufted leaves that crown the flower spike (but are usually removed by the farmer during harvest). The Pineapple Lily has no relation to the Pineapple – don’t try to eat it!!!

Interesting facts: Originating from Africa, some species of the plant were used for medicinal purposes with the Xhosa people of the East Cape Province boiling the bulbs and using it as a cure for rheumatism.

Why we love it: They look spectacular and last really well as a cut flower!