Houdyshel's Spider Lily (Lycoris houdyshelii)

Jiangsu spider lily
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Lycoris houdyshelii: Jiangsu Spider Lily Profile

Originating from the damp, shaded mountain slopes of eastern China, this elegant perennial bulb produces showy, ivory-white blossoms. Lycoris houdyshelii, commonly known in its native range as the Jiangsu spider lily, thrives in deciduous woodlands and rocky valleys.

This species is a naturally occurring triploid hybrid formed by the crossbreeding of Lycoris straminea and Lycoris radiata var. pumila. It remains highly prized by collectors for its exquisite, wavy-petaled flowers.

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 houdyshelii (Houdyshel's Spider Lily)

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Morphology

This bulbous herb displays the classic growth pattern of the Amaryllidaceae family, separating its vegetative growth from its flowering phase. The narrow, strap-like leaves emerge in the autumn and persist through winter.

Key botanical structures include:

  • Leaves: Measuring 12 to 15 mm wide and 20 to 30 cm long, with a characteristic pale stripe running down the center.
  • Flower Scape: An erect, leafless stem reaching a height of 25 to 35 cm.
  • Flowers: Arranged in umbels of 4 to 7 members, featuring a trumpet-shaped, white perianth about 4 cm long.
  • Tepals: Strongly recurved and heavily undulated along the margins.
  • Stamens: Long filaments that protrude significantly beyond the floral envelope.

Applications

Although predominantly wild, it is utilized as an ornamental plant in temperate gardens due to its striking white blooms. The plant is particularly suited for naturalizing in woodland gardens and shaded borders.

Interesting facts

The triploid nature of this hybrid means it is sterile and relies entirely on clonal propagation via bulb offsets in the wild. This genetic state contributes to its vigor and large floral displays compared to its diploid parents.

Geography of distribution

  • China

Sources

  • World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • Tropicos (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

Orange Spider Lily

Orange Spider Lily

Lycoris sanguinea

An orange-flowered deciduous perennial native to East Asia, famous for its toxic bulbs and synchronized …

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