HIPPEASTRUM, in botany, a genus of the family Amaryl lidaceae, containing about 75 species of bulbous plants, natives of tropical and sub-tropical South America. The various forms in cultivation are generally known as Amaryllis. The handsome fun nel-shaped flowers are borne in a cluster of two to many, at the end of a short hollow scape. The species and the numerous hybrids which have been obtained artificially show a great variety in size and colour of the flower, including the richest deep crimson and blood-red, white, and striped, mottled or blended colours. They are of easy culture, and free-blooming habit. Like other bulbs they are increased by offsets, which should be carefully removed when the plants are at rest, and should be allowed to attain a fair size before removal.