growth in spring after a period of winter dormancy. The three species found in South Africa, S. multiflorus, S. puniceus and S. membranaceous, are the most widely cultivated, being tolerant of winter temperatures down to . S. multiflorus subsp. multiflorus is cultivated for sale in large quantities by the Dutch nursery industry. The tropical species require a minimum temperature of at least , thriving in a warm, humid atmosphere. An open organic potting medium, similar to that used for orchids, suits all species. A coarse mix with considerable air spaces is particularly important for epiphytic species such as S. nutans. Pests of Scadoxus in cultivation in the UK include mealy bugs and narcissus bulb fly (Merodon equestris). Red spider mites (Tetranychus species), slugs and snails can also cause problems. In South Africa, where species such as S. puniceus can be grown outside, lily borer (Brithys crini) attacks plants. Cultivars Some artificial hybrids between S. multiflorus subsp. katherinae and S. puniceus are known. Johannes Nicolai raised S. 'König Albert' which flowered for the first time in 1899. Although rare in cultivation, it multiplies rapidly. Of the same parentage is S. 'Andromeda', raised by C. G. van Tubergen around 1904. Toxicity and uses The genus Scadoxus is known to have some strongly toxic species, containing poisonous alkaloids. These are lethal to animals, such as sheep and goats, that graze on the leaves or bulbs. Scadoxus multiflorus and Scadoxus cinnabarinus are traditionally used in parts of tropical Africa as components of arrow poisons and fishing poisons. Both species, as well as Scadoxus puniceus in South Africa, are used in traditional medicine. References Bibliography Amaryllidaceae genera Amaryllidoideae Taxa named by Constantine Samuel Rafinesque