Bomarea formosissima seeds grow into a scrambling rhizomatous geophyte native to the wet tropical biome of central Peru south to central Bolivia. Described by (Ruiz & Pav.) Herb. (Ruiz López and Pavón described the species, later placed in Bomarea by William Herbert). The epithet formosissima means 'most beautiful' or 'very handsome' — superlative of formosus — a fitting name for a plant bearing clusters of large tubular pendant flowers in warm reds and oranges, with spotted inner tepals. A scandent rhizomatous climber rather than a woody liana; dies back seasonally and regrows from the underground rhizome. Related to Alstroemeria. Family Alstroemeriaceae.Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soils with organic matter; cool wet tropical to subtropical highland conditions (Andean cloud forest origin). Dies back in cold seasons; protect rhizome from frost. 'Formosissima' = most beautiful (Latin superlative); (Ruiz & Pav.) Herb.; pendant flower clusters in warm reds/oranges Rhizomatous geophyte — dies back to underground rhizome seasonally; related to Alstroemeria Central Peru to Central Bolivia — wet tropical biome; scrambling rhizomatous geophyte Genus Bomarea: ~120 species; Andes and Tropical America; Family Alstroemeriaceae; Order Liliales Full sun/partial shade; well-drained humus-rich soil; cool tropical highlands; protect rhizome; Alstroemeriaceae Bomarea formosissima — aptly named 'most beautiful' — is one of the showiest of the Andean climbing geophytes, its cascading clusters of tubular flowers in warm Peruvian and Bolivian highland tones making it a prized ornamental for cool subtropical gardens, grown like a hardy alstroemeria but with the added drama of a scrambling climbing habit. IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.
