Leptochiton quitoense

[euplusia]

There are only 2 species within this genus, the golden yellow L. helianthus and this one. They belong to Amaryllidaceae and are closely related to Hymenocallis. Some of you may know the Cahaba lily, Hymenocallis coronaria.
This plant is much more dainty and brings only one flower per bulb, that opens for the night and blooms one day and one more night before it withers. Flowers are fairly big, about 15 cm in diameter.
The natural habitat are the lowlands of Peru and Ecuador along the Pacific coast. The area is seasonally flooded. There are dwelling mounds for the cattle.
The growing requirements are extreme. The dry season lasts about 6 months, from November until May. Then when with the warmth and first careful waterings the soft green leaves come to light, regular watering and fertilizing with my orchid water never ceases until in late autumn the leaves wither. Then I put the pot under a table and completely stop watering.
I grow one bulb successfully for 25 years now and finally managed to get 2 bulbs and 2 flowers this year in August and September.
Needless to say that I am proud of this rarity. It took 25 years to exactly identify this plant. It is mentioned in the net in the Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum, and as it is reported to be self-fertile, I think I can risk pollination.