Hippastrum cibester

The name recorded here is almost certainly a misspelling of Hippeastrum cybister, the 'spider amaryllis,' a group of Hippeastrum native to Bolivia and Argentina. A large tunicate bulb produces a sturdy stem about 50 cm tall bearing an umbel of striking flowers with long, narrow, recurved tepals resembling spider legs, in shades ranging from red and chocolate-brown to pale green. Flowering occurs in spring and summer, followed by a marked winter dormancy. It grows well in full sun, in rich, well-drained soil, and is best grown in containers in cold climates.