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Amaryllis ( pronounced ) is a small genus of flowering bulbs, with two species.

The better known of the two, Amaryllis belladonna, is a native of South Africa, particularly the rocky southwest region near the Cape.

For many years there was confusion amongst botanists over the generic names Amaryllis and Hippeastrum, one result of which is that the common name " amaryllis " is mainly used for cultivars of the genus Hippeastrum, widely sold in the winter months for their ability to bloom indoors.

Plants of the genus Amaryllis are known as belladonna lily, Jersey lily, naked lady, amarillo or, in South Africa, March lily.

This is one of numerous genera with the common name " lily " due to their flower shape and growth habit.

However, they are only distantly related to the true lily, Lilium.