Eucharis x grandiflora is believed native to the lower Andean slopes of Colombia and Peru. This Amazon lily was named in 1854 as a species. In 1989, Dr. Alan Meerow discovered it was a hybrid and the "x" was added showing its hybrid status. (w3TROPICOS, J. Solomon, Missouri Botanical Garden)

Eucharis x grandiflora is often confused with the very similar Eucharis amazonica. The grandiflora differs in that it is sterile and does not produce viable seeds. The broad leaves arise from a bulb in a mound habit and are reminiscent of Hosta leaves. The mound of leaves tends to be evergreen, although drought and chill temperatures will cause the leaves to die down briefly in late winter.

The inflorescence is a terminal umbel with six flowers similar in shape to white narcissus. The heavily perfumed flowers are uniquely designed; except for the style, the floral parts are fused. The flower is a narrow tube that flares into six 'petals'. Each stamen has a flattened filament that arises from one of the 'petals'.

The flattened filaments are fused partway to the stamens on either side. Together the flattened filaments form the central trumpet that extends forward. The filaments are green when the flower first opens and fade to yellow and white. The six tiny anthers, each on a narrow extension from a flattened filament, are arranged around the end of the trumpet.

In subtropical and tropical zones, Eucharis are a great substitute for Hosta which do not survive the long humid summers. They also substitute for Narcissus which do not survive the lack of winter dormancy. Although Eucharis are considered summer flowering plants, mine have always bloomed in January.