(N. flexuosa) and Nerine bowdenii. N. sarniensis is, probably, the best known species of the genus and it has been cultivated in Europe since the beginning of the 17th century. N. bowdenii was introduced to England at the end of the 19th century and used as an ornamental since the first decade of the 20th century. Along with Nerine bowdenii they have been extensively used in plant breeding programmes that have produced the majority of the commercially available hybrids. The hybrid cultivar 'Zeal Giant' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The bulbs of Nerine species need a minimum of two years growth and development in order to produce their first flowers. The largest bulbs can give rise to two stems or more if they have been grown under suitable conditions. They are used as cut flowers as they can survive up to 14 days in a vase with water without showing any staining. Uses Nerine species and hybrids with their colourful long-lasting blooms are grown commercially for the cut-flower industry and sale of ornamental bulbs. Gallery See also Glossary of botanical terms Glossary of plant morphology Notes References Bibliography Historical sources see also Species Plantarum Books Articles, symposia and theses Volume 1/2 Volume 2/2 , in , in , in (see also Flowering Plants of Africa) Species Websites Organizations , in , in External links Flora of Zimbabwe Amaryllidaceae genera Amaryllidoideae