Cheju Spider Lily (Lycoris ×chejuensis)

Jeju surprise lily

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Lycoris ×chejuensis: The Jeju Surprise Lily

Originating on the volcanic slopes of South Korea's largest island, Lycoris ×chejuensis evolved as a fascinating natural hybrid within the Amaryllidaceae family. Botanists K.H.Tae and S.C.Ko first described this rare taxon in 1993, highlighting its unique habitat restrictions on Jeju Island.

As a natural hybrid, this plant possesses intermediate botanical characteristics inherited from its parent species. Its restricted range makes it a significant subject for regional conservation efforts and evolutionary research.

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 ×chejuensis (Cheju Spider Lily)

Morphology

The species grows from an underground tunicate bulb, typical of the Lycoris genus. It produces linear, strap-shaped leaves during the wet season, which die back completely before the flowering stems emerge.

During the blooming season, the plant produces an erect, leafless stalk bearing an umbellate inflorescence of funnel-shaped flowers. The delicate tepals exhibit shades that reflect its hybrid lineage, with prominent stamens extending outward to attract local pollinators.

Flowering season

Late summer

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Name

Dec

Interesting facts

This plant is named after Jeju Island (formerly romanized as Cheju), where it was discovered growing in wild conditions. Due to its status as a narrow endemic hybrid, it is highly protected in its native Korean habitat to prevent extinction from over-collection.

Geography of distribution

South Korea

Sources

IPNI: Lycoris × chejuensis K.H.Tae & S.C.Ko, Korean J. Pl. Taxon. 23: 234 (1993).
POWO: Lycoris × chejuensis K.H.Tae & S.C.Ko. Plants of the World Online. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens.
GBIF: Lycoris × chejuensis K.H.Tae & S.C.Ko.