Eucomis is a southern African genus of flowering plants in the Hyacinthaceae family. The species name Eucomis is of Greek origin, eu- meaning “pleasing” and kome “hair of the head”, which refers to the tuft of leaf-like bracts that crown the inflorescence of the species in this genus. They are bulbous perennials with basal rosettes of leaves with stout stems covered in star-shaped flowers. Plants are commonly known as Pineapple Lilies because in several of the species the flowers resemble a pineapple. Most of the species are indigenous to the summer rainfall areas of South Africa. They grow well in rockeries and pots and under cultivation they have proved to be cold hardy, particularly when planted deeply. They are best grown in the shade and given regular water during their active growth period. This is particularly true of plants grown in sun as otherwise the leaves will become limp and burn. Plants belonging to the Eucomis genus are found in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Species can be found in grassland, forest, swamps and on river banks.

Eucomis humilis, commonly known as Dwarf Pineapple Lily, is a South African indigenous species found in the Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces extending into Lesotho. This irresistible, remarkable Eucomis humilis is one of the miniature Eucomis species. A summer-growing bulb with wavy margined leaves and an inflorescence that resembles a pineapple. Eucomis humilis is a deciduous bulb within the group of dwarf Eucomis species, growing up to only 40cm. Leaves are keeled, purple tinted, wavy edged, and have purple spots below. The inflorescence is a cylindrical raceme crowned with small, purple-tinted bracts, purple-spotted flower stem. The greenish white flowers are sometimes purple tinted with purple stamens and characterized by a rather unpleasant smell. It flowers in midsummer, from December to February.