263/365 Hippeastrum

The name Hippeastrum was first given to the genus by Herbert, being derived from the Ancient Greek, meaning a "Knight's Star" from ἱππεύς (hippeus, mounted knight) and ἄστρον (astron, star), to describe the first recognized species, Hippeastrum reginae. Herbert proposed to call the genus, which he distinguished from Linnaeus' Amaryllis, Hippeastrum, or "Knight's-star-lily".


The Hon. William Herbert (12 January 1778 – 28 May 1847) was a British botanist, botanical illustrator, poet, and clergyman. He served as a member of parliament for Hampshire from 1806 to 1807, and for Cricklade from 1811 to 1812. His father was Henry Herbert, 1st Earl Carnarvon, who inherited Highclere Castle which is the main filming location for Downton Abbey.