What is "worsleya"

Worsleya is a genus of Brazilian plants in the Amaryllis family, widely cultivated as an ornamental because of its showy flowers. There is only one known species, Worsleya procera, native to eastern Brazil. It is one of the largest (around 1.5 meters high) and rarest members of the subfamily Amaryllidoideae (family Amaryllidaceae).

This species is also known as the empress of Brazil because of its origin in South America. It grows in very extreme and moist environments, and is commonly found near waterfalls in rich soil situated on granite rocks (which is why it is sometimes considered to be a lithophyte) and sunny places. However, it is very difficult to cultivate. It has plenty of needs, though it can exhibit great hardiness. It also has many ornamental traits.

The plant has a large bulb that produces a high stem with green recurved leaves. Worsleya produces spectacular and beautiful blooms. They are large, lilac to blue, with small freckles on them. The seeds are black and semicircular, and are usually sown in pumice or sometimes Sphagnum, although with Sphagnum the threat of decay is higher.