Silver Spider Lily (Lycoris argentea)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Lycoris argentea: Myanmar's Rare Silver Spider Lily

Hailing from the tropical forest margins of Myanmar, Lycoris argentea remains one of the least documented members of the spider lily genus. First described by British botanist Arthington Worsley in 1928, this perennial bulbous plant stands out due to its unique genetic lineage and specific geographical isolation.

As a member of the family Amaryllidaceae, it shares the characteristic bulbous growth form and striking floral architecture typical of the Lycorideae tribe. It is highly valued by botanists studying the evolutionary pathways of Southeast Asian flora.

Taxonomy

∟ царство Plantae
∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
∟ Angiosperms
∟ monocots
∟ order Asparagales
∟ family Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis family)
∟ subfamily Amaryllidoideae
∟ tribe Lycorideae
∟ genus Lycoris (Spider Lily)
∟ species Lycoris argentea (Silver Spider Lily)

Morphology

Like other representatives of the genus Lycoris, this species develops from an underground bulb that stores nutrients during the dormant phase. The strap-shaped leaves typically emerge in autumn or spring, dying back before the arrival of the summer flowering stems.

The inflorescence consists of a terminal umbel borne on a solid, erect scape, bearing multiple trumpet-shaped flowers. These flowers feature reflexed tepals and prominent, long-exserted stamens that facilitate pollination by nocturnal moths or butterflies in their native forest habitats.

Flowering season

Late summer to early autumn

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Name

Dec

Interesting facts

The species was formally introduced to the botanical community in a 1928 issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle, based on specimens collected in Myanmar. Because of its narrow endemic range and lack of modern agricultural distribution, it remains a rare prize in specialist botanical gardens and herbaria worldwide.

Geography of distribution

Myanmar

Sources

POWO (2026): Lycoris argentea Worsley. Plants of the World Online. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens.
IPNI (2026): Lycoris argentea Worsley, Gard. Chron. ser. 3, 84:169 (1928).
GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Lycoris argentea Worsley.