Family: Amaryllidaceae

Only one species of this small genus of bulbs from South America is cultivated. It has strap-like leaves and rather pendulous inflorescences.

Species

C. fragrans, native to the Peruvian Andes, produces fragrant yellow flowers with a tube, to 8 cm (3 in) long, ending in star-like lobes. They appear in summer before the leaves. This species grows to about 30 cm (12 in) high.

Cultivation

These tender bulbs are grown in a cool greenhouse in frost-prone climates. Plant shallowly in spring in pots of soil-based potting compost. Keep dry in winter. Outdoors grow in a sunny, sheltered position with well drained, humus-rich soil.

Climate

Zone 9.