Caliphruria korsakoffii

Dennis Tsang (April 30, 2006)
Hong Kong

Habitat: The species is native to northern Peru near Moyobamba City, in wet forests between 800 m and 1500 m in altitude. According to Bill Janetos who has been to the habitats, bulbs grow in deep shade, well-drained peaty soil rich in leaf mold. Bulbs are also found growing among rocks on cliff face in close proximity to waterfalls or streams. The specimen shown here is originally from Puerta Gera to the west of Moyobamba.

Distinguishing Features: Bulbs: globose true bulb, about 2.5 cm in diameter, covered by thin light brown tunics. Foliage: 4 – 6 (-7) thick lanceolate-shaped leaves, 10 cm long x 4 cm wide, leaf surface dark glossy green lightly covered with white powder (glaucous) and the underside of leaf is light green; mid-rib inconspicuous. The slightly channeled leaf stalk is about 10 cm tall. Flower: about 10 tiny white flowers in an umbel, each flower is about 1.5 cm wide which lasts for 2 – 3 days. Style: 1.5 cm long. Filament: 1 cm long, non-recurved. Pedicel: 2.5 cm long. Perianth: segments 1.5 cm long x 0.8 cm wide. Perianth tube almost absent. Peduncle: about 30 cm tall, light glaucous green, solid.

Cultivation: Caliphruria korsakoffii is an evergreen tropical species which grows well in hot and humid environment. Plants should receive at the minimum of 10 degrees Celsius during winter time. The species enjoys a growing medium of high organic contents. I grow the bulbs in pure sphagnum moss. Bulbs are planted at about 2 cm below soil level. Plants enjoy lots of light but they should avoid direct sunlight. Caliphruria korsakoffii flowers during spring time. Pests: the species appears to be free of insect pests but the succulent foliage may attract mealybugs. Caliphruria korsakoffii produces offsets freely and makes an excellent pot plant.

Further Reading:
Meerow, A., Systematics of the Amazon Lilies, Eucharis and Caliphruria. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Gardens, 1989, (76), 136-220.
Plant Life, 1967, (23), 85-87
Plant Life, 1971, (27), 59
HERBERTIA, 1988 (44)2, 31