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Lilium (members of which are true lilies) is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants growing from

bulbs, all with large prominent flowers. Lilies are a group of flowering plants which are important in
culture and literature in much of the world. Most species are native to the temperate northern
hemisphere, though their range extends into the northern subtropics. Many other plants have "lily" in
their common name but are not related to true lilies.

Name
The botanic name Lilium is the Latin form and is a Linnaean name. The Latin name is derived from
the Greek , lerion, generally assumed to refer to true, white lilies as exemplified by
the Madonna lily.[2][3] The word was borrowed from Coptic (dial. Fayyumic) hleri, from standard hreri,
from Demotic hrry, from Egyptian hrrt "flower".[citation needed]Meillet maintains that both the Egyptian and
the Greek word are possible loans from an extinct, substratum language of the Eastern
Mediterranean.[citation needed] The Greeks also used the word , krnon, albeit for non-white lilies.
The term "lily" has in the past been applied to numerous flowering plants, often with only superficial
resemblance to the true lily, including water lily, fire lily, lily of the Nile, calla lily,trout lily, kaffir
lily, cobra lily, lily of the valley, daylily, ginger lily, Amazon lily, leek lily, Peruvian lily, and others.[citation
needed]

All English translations of the Bible render the Hebrewshshan, shshan, shshann as "lily",

but the "lily among the thorns" of Song of Solomon, for instance, may be the honeysuckle.[which?][4]
For a list of other species described as lilies, see Lily (disambiguation).

Description

Lilium longiflorum flower 1. Stigma, 2.Style, 3. Stamens, 4. Filament, 5. Tepal

Lilies are tall perennials ranging in height from 26 ft (60180 cm). They form naked or tunicless
scaly underground bulbs which are their overwintering organs. In some North American species the
base of the bulb develops into rhizomes, on which numerous small bulbs are found. Some species
develop stolons. Most bulbs are deeply buried, but a few species form bulbs near the soil surface.
Many species form stem-roots. With these, the bulb grows naturally at some depth in the soil, and
each year the new stem puts outadventitious roots above the bulb as it emerges from the soil. These
roots are in addition to the basal roots that develop at the base of the bulb.
The flowers are large, often fragrant, and come in a range of colours including whites, yellows,
oranges, pinks, reds and purples. Markings include spots and brush strokes. The plants are late
spring- or summer-flowering. Flowers are borne in racemes or umbelsat the tip of the stem, with
six tepals spreading or reflexed, to give flowers varying from funnel shape to a "Turk's cap". The
tepals are free from each other, and bear a nectary at the base of each flower. The ovary is
'superior', borne above the point of attachment of the anthers. The fruit is a three-celled capsule.[5]
Seeds ripen in late summer. They exhibit varying and sometimes complex germination patterns,
many adapted to cool temperate climates.
Naturally most cool temperate species are deciduous and dormant in winter in their native
environment. But a few species which distribute in hot summer and mild winter area (Lilium
candidum, Lilium catesbaei,Lilium longiflorum) lose leaves and remain relatively short dormant in

Summer or Autumn, sprout from Autumn to winter, forming dwarf stem bearing a basal rosette of
leaves until accept enough chilling requirement, the stem begins to elongate while warming.

Taxonomy
Taxonomical division in sections follows the classical division of Comber,[6] species acceptance
follows the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families,[7] the taxonomy of sectionPseudolirium is from
the Flora of North America,[8] the taxonomy of Section Liriotypus is given in consideration of Resetnik
et al. 2007,[9] the taxonomy of Chinese species (various sections) follows the Flora of China
the taxonomy of Section Sinomartagon follows Nishikawa et al.

[11]

[10]

and

as does the taxonomy of

Section Archelirion.[12]
There are seven sections;

Martagon[edit]
Pseudolirium[edit]
Liriotypus[edit]
Archelirion[edit]
Sinomartagon[edit]
Leucolirion[edit]
Daurolirion[edit]
[show]Picture

Section

Sub Section

Botanical name

common name

Some species formerly included within this genus have now been placed in other genera. These
genera include Cardiocrinum, Notholirion, Nomocharis and Fritillaria.

Distribution and habitat[edit]


The range of lilies in the Old World extends across much of Europe, across most of Asia to Japan,
south to India, and east to Indochina and the Philippines. In the New World they extend from
southern Canada through much of the United States. They are commonly adapted to either
woodland habitats, often montane, or sometimes to grassland habitats. A few can survive in
marshland and epiphytes are known in tropical southeast Asia. In general they prefer moderately
acidic or lime-free soils.

Ecology[edit]
Lilies are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the Dun-bar.

Cultivation[edit]
Many species are widely grown in the garden in temperate and sub-tropical regions. They may also
be grown as potted plants. Numerous ornamental hybrids have been developed. They can be used
in herbaceous borders, woodland and shrub plantings, and as patio plants. Some lilies,
especially Lilium longiflorum, form important cut flowercrops. These may be forced for particular
markets; for instance, Lilium longiflorum for the Easter trade, when it may be called the Easter lily.
Lilies are usually planted as bulbs in the dormant season. They are best planted in a south-facing
(northern hemisphere), slightly sloping aspect, in sun or part shade, at a depth 2 times the height
of the bulb (except Lilium candidum which should be planted at the surface). Most prefer a porous,
loamy soil, and good drainage is essential. Most species bloom in July or August (northern
hemisphere). The flowering periods of certain lily species begin in late spring, while others bloom in
late summer or early autumn.[16] They have contractile roots which pull the plant down to the correct
depth, therefore it is better to plant them too shallowly than too deep. A soil pH of around 6.5 is
generally safe. The soil should be well-drained, and plants must be kept watered during the growing
season. Some plants have strong wiry stems, but those with heavy flower heads may need staking.
[17][18]

Awards[edit]
Below is a list of lily species and cultivars that have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of
Garden Merit:[19][20][21]

Lilium African Queen Group (VI-/a) 2002 H6 Reconfirmed 2013

Lilium 'Casa Blanca' (VIIb/b-c) 1993 H6 Reconfirmed 2013

Lilium 'Fata Morgana' (Ia/b) 2002 H6 Reconfirmed 2013

Lilium 'Garden Party' (VIIb/b) 2002 H6 Reconfirmed 2013

Lilium Golden Splendor Group (VIb-c/a) 2002 H6 Reconfirmed 2013

Lilium henryi (IXc/d) 1993 H6 Reconfirmed 2013

Lilium mackliniae (IXc/a) 2012 H5

Lilium martagon (IXc/d) 2002 H7 Reconfirmed 2013

Lilium pardalinum (IXc/d) 2002 H6

Lilium Pink Perfection Group (VIb/a) 1993 H6 Reconfirmed 2013

Lilium regale (IXb/a) 1993 H6 Reconfirmed 2013

Classification of garden forms[edit]


Numerous forms, mostly hybrids, are grown for the garden. They vary according to the species and
interspecific hybrids that they derived from, and are classified in the following broad groups: [22][23][24]
Asiatic hybrids (Division I)[edit]

These are derived from hybrids between species in Lilium section Sinomartagon.[25][26]
They are derived from central and East Asian species and interspecific hybrids,
including Lilium amabile, Lilium bulbiferum, Lilium callosum, Lilium cernuum, Lilium
concolor,Lilium dauricum, Lilium davidii, Lilium hollandicum, Lilium lancifolium (syn. Lilium
tigrinum), Lilium lankongense, Lilium leichtlinii, Lilium maculatum, Lilium pumilum, Lilium
scottiae, Lilium wardii and Lilium wilsonii.
These are plants with medium-sized, upright or outward facing flowers, mostly unscented.

Dwarf (Patio, Border) varieties are much shorter, c.3661 cm in height and were
designed for containers.[27] They often bear the cultivar name 'Tiny', such as the 'Lily
Looks' series, e.g. 'Tiny Padhye',[28] 'Tiny Dessert'.[29]

Martagon hybrids (Division II)[edit]

These are based on Lilium dalhansonii, Lilium hansonii, Lilium martagon, Lilium
medeoloides, and Lilium tsingtauense.
The flowers are nodding, Turk's cap style (with the petals strongly recurved).
Candidum (Euro-Caucasian) hybrids (Division III)[edit]

This includes mostly European species: Lilium candidum, Lilium chalcedonicum, Lilium
kesselringianum, Lilium monadelphum, Lilium pomponium, Lilium pyrenaicum andLilium
testaceum.
American hybrids (Division IV)[edit]
These are mostly taller growing forms, originally derived from Lilium bolanderi, Lilium
burbankii, Lilium canadense, Lilium columbianum, Lilium grayi, Lilium humboldtii,Lilium
kelleyanum, Lilium kelloggii, Lilium maritimum, Lilium michauxii, Lilium michiganense, Lilium
occidentale, Lilium pardaboldtii, Lilium pardalinum, Lilium parryi, Lilium parvum, Lilium
philadelphicum, Lilium pitkinense, Lilium superbum, Lilium ollmeri, Lilium washingtonianum,
and Lilium wigginsii.
Many are clump-forming perennials with rhizomatous rootstocks.
Longiflorum hybrids (Division V)[edit]
These are cultivated forms of this species and its subspecies.
They are most important as plants for cut flowers, and are less often grown in the garden
than other hybrids.
Trumpet lilies (Division VI), including Aurelian hybrids
(with L. henryi)[edit]

This group includes hybrids of many Asiatic species and their interspecific hybrids,
including Lilium aurelianense, Lilium brownii, Lilium centigale, Lilium henryi, Lilium
imperiale, Lilium kewense, Lilium leucanthum, Lilium regale, Lilium rosthornii, Lilium
sargentiae, Lilium sulphureum and Lilium sulphurgale.
The flowers are trumpet shaped, facing outward or somewhat downward, and tend to be
strongly fragrant, often especially night-fragrant.
Oriental hybrids (Division VII)[edit]

These are based on hybrids within Lilium section Archelirion,[25][26] specifically Lilium
auratum and Lilium speciosum, together with crossbreeds from several species native to
Japan, including Lilium nobilissimum, Lilium rubellum, Lilium alexandrae, and Lilium
japonicum.

They are fragrant, and the flowers tend to be outward facing. Plants tend to be tall, and the
flowers may be quite large. The whole group are sometimes referred to as "stargazers"
because many of them appear to look upwards. (For the specific cultivar,
see Lilium 'Stargazer'.)
Other hybrids (Division VIII)[edit]

Includes all other garden hybrids.


Species (Division IX)[edit]
All natural species and naturally occurring forms are included in this group.
The flowers can be classified by
flower aspect and form:[30]

a up-facing

b out-facing

c down-facing

Flower aspect:

Flower form:

a trumpet-shaped

b bowl-shaped

c flat (or with tepal tips recurved)

d tepals strongly recurved (with the Turks cap form as the ultimate state)

Many newer commercial


varieties are developed
by using new
technologies such as
ovary culture and embryo
rescue.[31]

Pests and
diseases[edit]

Scarlet lily
beetles, Oxfordshire, UK

Aphids may infest


plants. Leatherjackets fee
d on the roots. Larvae of
the Scarlet lily beetle can
cause serious damage to
the stems and leaves.
The scarlet beetle lays its
eggs and completes its
life cycle only on true lilies
(Lilium) and fritillaries
(Fritillaria).[32] Oriental,
rubrum, tiger and trumpet
lilies as well as Oriental
trumpets (orienpets) and
Turk's cap lilies and
native North
American Lilium species
are all vulnerable, but the
beetle prefers some types
over others. The beetle
could also be having an

effect on native Canadian


species and some rare
and endangered species
found in northeastern
North America.[33] Daylilies
(Hemerocallis, not true
lilies) are excluded from
this category. Plants can
suffer from damage
caused by mice, deer and
squirrels. Slugs, snails
and millipedes attack
seedlings, leaves and
flowers. Brown spots on
damp leaves may
signal botrytis (also
known as lily disease).
Various fungal and viral
diseases can cause
mottling of leaves and
stunting of growth.

Propagation and
growth[edit]
Lilies can be propagated
in several ways;

by division of the
bulbs

by growingon bulbils which


are adventitious bulbs
formed on the stem

by scaling, for which


whole scales are
detached from the

bulb and planted to


form a new bulb

by seed; there are


many seed
germination patterns,
which can be
complex

by micropropagation t
echniques (which
include tissue
culture);[34] commercial
quantities of lilies are
often propagated in
vitro and then planted
out to grow into plants
large enough to sell.

According to a study done


by Anna Pobudkiewicz
and Jadwiga the use of
flurprimidol foliar spray
helps aid in the limitation
of stem elongation in
oriental lilies. (1)

Toxicity[edit]
Some Lilium species are
toxic to cats. This is
known to be so especially
for Lilium
longiflorum though
other Lilium and the
unrelated Hemerocallis ca
n also cause the same
symptoms.[35][36][37] The true
mechanism of toxicity is
undetermined, but it

involves damage to
the renal tubular
epithelium (composing
the substance of the
kidney and secreting,
collecting, and conducting
urine), which can cause
acute renal failure.
Veterinary help should be
sought, as a matter of
urgency, for any cat that is
suspected of eating any
part of a lily - including
licking pollen that may
have brushed onto its
coat.[38]

Culinary and
herb uses[edit]
China[edit]
Lilium bulbs
are starchy and edible
as root vegetables,
although bulbs of some
species may be very
bitter. The non-bitter bulbs
of Lilium
lancifolium, Lilium
pumilum, and
especially Lilium
brownii (Chinese: ;
pinyin: bih gn)
and Lilium
davidii var. nicolor are
grown on a large scale in
China as a luxury or
health food, and are most

often sold in dry form for


herb, the fresh form often
appears with other
vegetables. The dried
bulbs are commonly used
in the south to flavor
soup. Lily flowers are also
said to be efficacious in
pulmonary affections, and
to have tonic properties.
[39]

Lily flowers and bulbs

are eaten especially in


the summer, for their
perceived ability to
reduce internal heat.
[40]

They may be

reconstituted and stirfried, grated and used to


thicken soup, or
processed to extract
starch. Their texture and
taste draw comparisons
with the potato, although
the individual bulb scales
are much smaller. There
are also species which
are meant to be suitable
for culinary and/or herb
uses. There are five
traditional lily species
whose bulbs are certified
and classified as
"vegetable and nonstaple foodstuffs" on the
National geographical
indication product list of
China.[41]

Culinary use:[42]
Lilium brownii, ()Lilium brownii var. viridulum, Lilium concolor,
Lilium dauricum, Lilium davidii, Lilium distichum, Lilium lancifolium,
()Lilium martagon var. pilosiusculum, Lilium pumilum, Lilium
rosthornii, ()Lilium speciosum var. gloriosoides.
Herb use:[43][44]
Lilium brownii, () Lilium brownii var. viridulum, Lilium concolor,
Lilium dauricum, Lilium lancifolium, Lilium pumilum, Lilium rosthornii,
()Lilium speciosum var. gloriosoides, Lilium sulphureum.
And there are researches about the selection of new varieties of edible lilies from the
horticultural cultivars, such as 'Batistero' and 'California' among 15 lilies in Beijing, [45] and
'Prato' and 'Small foreigners' among 13 lilies in Ningbo.[46]

Japan[edit]
Culinary use:
Yuri-ne (lily-root) is also common in Japanese cuisine, especially as an ingredient
of chawan-mushi (savoury egg custard). The major lilium species cultivated as vegetable
are Lilium leichtlinii var. maximowiczii, Lilium lancifolium, and Lilium auratum.[47][48]
Herb use:
Lilium lancifolium, Lilium brownii var. viridulum, Lilium brownii var. colchesteri, Lilium
pumilum[49]

Taiw
an[edit]
Culinary use:
The parts of lilium species which are officially listed as food material are the flower and bulbs
of Lilium lancifolium Thunb., Lilium brownii var. viridulum Baker, Lilium pumilum DC., Lilium
candidum Loureiro.[50] Most edible lily bulbs which can be purchased in a market are mostly
imported from mainland China (only in the scale form, and most marked as Lilium
davidii var. unicolor) and Japan (whole bulbs, should mostly be Lilium
leichtlinii var. maximowiczii). There are already commercially available organic growing and
normal growing edible lily bulbs. The varieties are selected by the Taiwanese Department of
Agriculture from the Asiatic lily cultivars that are imported from the Netherlands; the seedling
bulbs must be imported from the Netherlands every year.[51][52][53]
Herb use:
Lilium lancifolium Thunb., Lilium brownii var. viridulum Baker, Lilium pumilum DC.[54]

S
o
u
t
h
K

o
r
e
a
[

e
d
it
]
Herb use:
The lilium species which are officially listed as herbs are Lilium
lancifolium Thunberg; Lilium brownii var. viridulun Baker; Lilium
pumilumDC.[55][56]

N
ot
lil
iu
m
[e
dit
]
Th
e
"lil
y"
flo
we
r
bu
ds
kn
ow
n
as
jn
zh
n
(

,
"g
old
en
ne
edl
es
")
in
Ch
ine
se
cui
sin
e
ar
e
act
ual
ly
fro
m
th
e
da
ylil
y
H
e
m
er
oc
alli
s
ful
va.

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