Eustephia kawidei

Eustephia kawidei

Origin:  Vicinity of Cuzco City and mountain pass to Chinchero, Department of Cuzco, Peru.

Habitat:  Bulbs grow on steep slopes of the Andes above 3,500 m. In the natural habitats, bulbs are usually found growing among thick undergrowth in loamy soil. However, I have also seen bulbs growing in barren rocky outcrops where plants are exposed to full sun.

Cultivation:  Eustephia kawidei seems to grow well in a cool environment. The species flowers during spring-time and active growth takes place afterwards. Bulbs die back during summer-time. Judging from the condition in the natural environment, I believe that Eustephia kawidei would prefer a well-drained loamy soil and a semi-shaded environment under cultivation.

Further Reading: Plant Life 1975, p.29-31, HERBERTIA 1988 Part 2, p.31.

Dennis Tsang (May 11, 2005)
Hong Kong