Eucomis

Eucomis - Cape bulbs, not very showy, though deserving of cultivation in the outdoor garden, on account of their broad handsome foliage, more or less spotted with purple at the base, from which rise tall cylindrical spikes of blossoms surmounted by a crown of leaves. Like many Cape plants, they are hardy on light and dry soils. There are four species, all of which are in cultivation. E. undulata has leaves 18 inches long, wavy at the margins, and profusely marked on the under surface with dark purple blotches which, in the variety striata, assume the form of stripes. The flower spike is 2 to 4 feet high. On the upper half are densely arranged, in a cylindrical manner, numerous greenish-white blossoms, with purplish center, crowned by a tuft of narrow green leaves. E. punctata is the largest kind, having leaves about 3 feet long. E. regia is dwarfer than either of the preceding. The raceme of flowers is about 1 foot high, and the tuft of leaves at the top is larger than in other kinds. E. nana is the smallest. The spreading leaves lie horizontally, while in the others they are more erect. They thrive best in light sandy soil, with the roots protected by a covering during winter. The foot of a south wall suits them if they are associated with the larger hardy bulbs, but they are not the most effective or graceful of the Lily family.

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