If you are a lover of lilies, surely you know many of them. But, What if we asked you about the most exotic and rare lilies? Could you name several of them?
En Jardinería ON We wanted to do a little research and have compiled a list of the eight rarest lilies found in nature. Do you want to know what they are like? And where are they? Pay attention because we are talking about some very very strange ones.
The fascinating spider lily: A spectacle of nature
If you like the most exotic and rare lilies, and you collect them, without a doubt one that will catch your eye is the spider lily.
It is a medium-sized plant (up to 70 centimeters tall), native to Mexico and Guatemala (although it can now be found in the United States, Asia, and Europe).
It is bulbous and perennial type, with a white to brown bulb. The leaves are long, narrow and quite bright green.
As for the flowers, they are star-shaped and white. In fact, the name spider lily is due to the flowers, which resemble that of a spider's web. In addition, they give off a pleasant aroma. Its flowering always occurs in September and October, and you must be careful because they only open at night. Of course, they will attract bats, so be careful.
The Tiger Lily: Wild Elegance in the Floral World
We went from America to Japan and Korea, two of the native countries of the tiger lily, one of the most exotic and rare lilies that exist. Now it can be found in other countries too.
Regarding the plant, it does not exceed a meter in height in its natural habitat (in a pot it is possible that it stays at approximately 60-80 centimeters). Its bulb is white or brown and it has leaves the same as the previous one, elongated, narrow and intense green. As for the flowers, which is why it is called that, they are orange with black or red spots. And yes, they also smell.
In this case, they flower only in July and August, opening in the morning, and attracting bees and butterflies.
Also, you should know that in some countries they consider it a symbol. For example, in China it is said that it brings good luck; and in Japan it is linked to beauty.
Discover the marsh lily: A rarity in wetlands
It is known by other names, such as water lily, swamp lily or sweet water lily. This plant is one of the most widespread, since it It originates mainly in tropical and subtropical areas, and not from a specific part of the world, but can be seen in Africa, America, Asia and Oceania.
We are talking about an aquatic plant that grows in swamps, lakes and swamps. Its leaves are quite large and round, bright green. As for the flowers, which he puts out in July and August, they will be white or yellow, and they will open during the day.
It is quite important in its habitat because it serves as protection for fish and in addition, the flowers pollinate other plants.
The Purple Lily of Sharon: A Botanical Treasure of the Middle East
Another of the names it receives is lily of the plain. As we have told you in the header, it is found in the Middle East, but in reality it is all over the Mediterranean region.
It can reach a meter in height, with elongated and narrow leaves, green in color, and purple flowers except for the center, which will be yellow.
These they are of the exotic and rare lilies that bloom earlier; they do it in april and may. And both bees and butterflies appreciate them.
Now, Why is it associated with the Middle East? This is because, in the Bible, it is mentioned in the Song of Songs of King Solomon, where he uses a flower metaphor with his beloved.
The rare blue Himalayan lily: Beauty on top
Finding blue flowers in nature is not something very normal. So Talking to you about the blue Himalayan lily, or Meconopsis grandis, is exotic and rare. But here it is.
It is a plant native to the Himalayas that grows in areas between 3000 and 5000 meters of altitude. It reaches a meter in height and its leaves are like those of other lilies, green, long and narrow.
But the flowers, deep blue and yellow in the center, are very eye-catching. Of course, we are talking about an endangered plant.
It only blooms in July and August.
The Mysterious Beauty of the Ghost Lily: Flowers in the Dark
Another of the names by which it is known is Amorphophallus titanum, a plant that can easily grow up to three meters in height. Its leaves are large, round and green.
And the flowers rival those of the purple lily of Sharon, because they are also dark purple. Of course, you will not like to be around when it blooms (which it does every 7-10 years). And it is that the smell is fetid, as if it were rotten meat.
For a few days it will smell like this and then it will die (both the flower and the plant).
Flowering only occurs at night, when everything is dark; otherwise, it is not given. And the fact that it has that smell makes it attract many flies and other insects.
Coral Lily: The Exotic Wonder of the Reef
Finally, we talk about the coral lily, or Anemone sulcata, a plant that barely exceeds four inches in height, with fleshy, dark green leaves.
The flowers, which it will put out in July and August, are coral in color with a yellow center.
It is found mainly in the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, and is attractive to colorful fish.
Y, as it happens with the most exotic and rare lilies, right now it is in danger of extinction due to ocean pollution and climate change.
As you can see, there are more exotic and rare lilies. Not only the ones that we have presented to you, but some more. Do you know any that you want to share with us? We read you!