Origin: Hippeastrum aviflorum is native to Argentina. It is considered by some authorities a close ally to or a synonym of H. iguazuanum. The latter is native to areas along Rio Parana in north-eastern Argentina, Brasil and Paraguay. The descriptions of the habitat of H. aviflorum are rather confusing, those who consider this species closely allied to H. iguazuanum suggest that the two species actually share similar habitats. However, others suggest that H. aviflorum is native to much drier areas in northern Argentina. The particular specimen shown here is raised from seed collected in the Province of Salta, Argentina.

Habitat: Half-shady condition. The area where the species is native to experiences a dry summer period. This is the time when growth is slow down.

Conservation: According to the 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants, H. aviflorum is classified as an endangered species.

Cultivation: Uncommon in cultivation. The big bulb, which must be fully covered by the growing medium, enjoy a big pot and sandy cultural material. It needs full sun to a half-shaded condition with good ventilation. H. aviflorum is an evergreen species. It needs watering during the active growing season (autumn and winter). During summer time when growth is slow down, reduce watering. Flowering in early autumn.

Potential for Breeding: Charles Hardman in his article "Trends in Modern Hippeastrum Hybridizing" mentions that the greenish flowers of H. aviflorum suggests that there is a good potential to select H. aviflorum for breeding purpose.

Dennis Tsang 2 Nov 2002)

The person who gave me the bulb of H. avilforum said that it was a division from the mother bulb which was originally collected in the Province of Salta about 30 years ago. My bulb flowered the first time this year. I have compared the flowers of H. aviflorum and that of H. iguazuanum in the beautiful picture taken by German Roitman and found that the two species share quite a number of similarities, especially the shape of the flowers and veining/pattern of the nets on the petals though, in the case of H. aviflorum the veining and net pattern are not at all prominent. I would like to know if any person has got bulb(s) of H. aviflorum as I would like to exchange pollen with. I have been growing my H. aviflorum since 1998 and it has never multiplied.