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Formosa lily

Formosa lily

Lilium formosanum (Liliaceae)

Common Name:

Formosa lily

Scientific Name:

Lilium formosanum (Liliaceae)

Alternative common names:

St Joseph’s lily; trumpet lily (English); Sintjosefslelie; trompetlelie (Afrikaans)

Description:

A bulbuous plant with stems up to 2m high and purplish-brown towards the base and usually rough and hairy. The leaves are narrow, dark green and shiny. Narrow funnel-shaped, fragrant white flowers flushed with reddish-purple outside and white inside develop from January to March.

Additional Information

Where does this species come from?

Asia (Taiwan).

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 1 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces.

How does it spread?

Seeds and bulbs.

Why is it a problem?

Competes with, and has the potential to replace, indigenous species.

What does it look like?

General description: A tall and erect lily growing from bulbs and reaching close to 2m in height.
Leaves: Dark shiny green narrow leaves tilting over from the stems.
Flowers: Narrowly funnel-shaped, fragrant white flowers flushed with reddish-purple outside and white inside appearing from January to March.
Fruit/seeds: Capsules, 70-90 mm long.

Does the plant have any uses?

Garden ornament.

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