Hippeastrum puniceum

Native to tropical South America, this plant is a bulbous perennial cultivated as an ornamental. Its salmon to orange-red flowers are carried on upright stalks and may open before the tapering, strap-shaped leaves are fully developed. The species has been introduced widely beyond its native range, including the Caribbean, tropical Pacific islands and parts of the southern United States. In its native range it grows mainly in seasonally dry tropical habitats. Photographed in Minca, Colombia.