Leaves of
A. belladonna begin growing in early spring, or during late autumn. They last for a few weeks to a few months until they wither away, and a flower stalk will begin growing. When found in the wild,
Amaryllis belladonna is pollinated by
hawk moths and
carpenter bees. The flower has a long-tubed, pale
perianth, which fully expands at night. This flower will then release a sweet fragrance, that contains acyclic terpenoid
alcohol,
linalool and abundant
nectar, that attracts pollinators to it.
A. belladonna seeds are soft and fleshy, and appear white or pinkish. They are dispersed through
wind dispersal during the winter time. This is to coincide with the first winter rain during March, and April. Seeds will germinate in as early as two weeks, but will not develop into a fully flowering plant until three to six years later. All parts of the
A. belladonna plant are toxic and contain several different alkaloids, such as
lycorine,
pancracine and
amaryllidine. This can cause vomiting and diarrhea in humans. In wildlife these toxins will affect
grazing species, and will cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distress, lethargy, and heart or renal failure. Deer will avoid eating this plant, possibly due to an evolutionary relationship. == Cultivation ==