Originating from the Andean region stretching from Ecuador to Peru, this plant thrives in high-altitude areas with poor, rocky soil. The region is known for both moist and seasonally dry conditions. A summer-growing bulb, it typically goes dormant in winter. Its growth cycle includes the emergence of a large, two-foot flower spike sometime between late spring and early autumn, showcasing 6 to 12 blooms unfolding one at a time. The blooms normally display an orange flower. Each flower is tubular with somewhat green tips, extending about 3" long, gathered in an umbel of four or so on each spike. The plant itself stands about 30" tall, exhibiting grey-green strap-shaped leaves​​.  requires cooler nights (below ~55°F in winter) for the bulbs to bulk up and bloom.  Photographed in the southern Andes of Peru.