Greek proi-early and phyo- bring forth, referring to the premature germination of the seed,
Perennial herbs with bulbs. Leaf blades broadly ovate with a prominent midrib and looped primary veins, long-stalked, the stalk deeply channelled. Flowers regular, in umbels with 2-4 ovate bracts, stalked, white. Perianth with spreading lobes that are united at the base. Stamens attached on the corona at the mouth of the tube. Ovary inferior with 1 or 3 chambers having parietal ovule placentation. Fruit dehiscing irregularly to release 1-3 large seeds. [Eurycles Salisb.]
Occasionally grown in pots and the border in warm regions for the attractive veined leaves. The flowers are insignificant.
Seed and bulb offsets.
Leaves reminiscent of Hosta, broad-bladed with arching veins, the stalks long and channelled; flowers white.
4 species from SE Asia to northern and eastern Australia (1 species endemic).
Source: (2005). Narcissus. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.
