Zephyranthes candida Herb.
Vernacular name: White rain lily, Autumn zephyrlily, Fairy lily
Species Name: Zephyranthes candida (Lindl.) Herb.
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Habit: Bulbous herbaceous perennial.
Stem: Hollow, leafless scape, 15–30 cm tall.
Leaf: Linear, grass-like, deep glossy green, about 3 mm wide, emerging after flowering.
Flowering: Late summer–autumn (rain-triggered).
Flowers: Solitary, terminal, funnel-shaped; pure white, star-like; 6 equal tepals, 3–4 cm long, with a yellow throat, sometimes pinkish on the abaxial surface; erect stigma and 6 stamens.
Fruit: Globose capsule containing black seeds.
Uses:
- Traditional bulb can be emetic/purgative (caution: toxic)
- In South America they are often used as rain predictors.
- Moist meadows; Argentina/Uruguay native; naturalizes in wet tropics.
- Edging, rock gardens, containers; mass “rainflower” displays
