Boasting pale yellow blossoms that illuminate East Asian temperate zones, this bulbous perennial holds a special place in regional floras. Lycoris flavescens, widely known as the reddish-yellow surprise lily, is found in the wild across Taiwan and South Korea.
This taxon arose as a natural hybrid between Lycoris koreana and Lycoris sanguinea. Its genetic makeup contributes to its unique coloration, distinguishing it from other red or white spider lilies in the region.
As a herbaceous geophyte, this plant possesses a subterranean bulb that enables it to survive seasonal dormancy. The strap-like leaves appear in the spring or autumn and die back before the reproductive phase begins.
Morphological characteristics include:
Botanists have identified this plant as a triploid sterile hybrid, meaning it does not produce viable seeds and propagates primarily through bulb division. The synonym Lycoris chejuensis refers to specimens found on Jeju Island, South Korea.
A rare, yellow-flowering bulbous perennial endemic to specific islands in South Korea.
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