Leucocoryne

Leucocoryne (glory-of-the-sun) is a genus of bulbous perennials in the family Amaryllidaceae. The foliage of all species is long and narrow and has an onion-like scent. The blue, white or lilac flowers are held in umbels. The entire genus is endemic to the Republic of Chile in South America. Some species are grown in gardens as ornamentals. They require very well-drained soil and do not tolerate freezing temperatures. L. purpurea, with purple flowers, has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. The generic name Leucocoryne is a compound of the Greek elements λευκός ( = leucos ) 'white' and κορυνε ( = korune ) 'club' ( in the sense of cudgel or bludgeon ) - in reference to the pale, club-like, sterile anthers of the flowers. Species accepted by The Plant List are listed here (49) although some authorities estimate only 15.