Hyacinth Spider Lily (Lycoris hyacinthina)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Lycoris hyacinthina: Hyacinth Spider Lily Profile

Distinctive violet-blue petals define this Chinese native bulbous perennial, making it a rare gem among spider lilies. It naturally inhabits damp slopes, stream banks, and shaded forest margins. Its striking flower color distinguishes it from most other species in the genus.

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 hyacinthina (Hyacinth Spider Lily)

Morphology

The morphological profile of this species includes several key identifiers:

Bulb: Globose structure up to 5 centimeters in diameter.
Foliage: Glaucous, strap-like leaves appearing in spring rather than autumn.
Inflorescence: A terminal cluster of 5 to 7 violet-blue flowers.

The tepals exhibit a remarkable violet-blue or purplish coloration resembling a hyacinth. The perianth tube is relatively short, and the stamens are nearly equal in length to the tepals.

Flowering season

July to August

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Oct

Name

Dec

Applications

Botanists study this species to analyze the pigments responsible for its unique blue coloration. It also contributes to the ecological diversity of its native forest habitats. Like other members of the family, the entire plant is highly toxic to humans and animals.

Interesting facts

The specific epithet hyacinthina highlights the visual similarity of its flower color and form to the genus Hyacinthus. Unlike the more common red spider lilies, this species has a more restricted distribution in eastern China. Its spring-leafing phenology is relatively uncommon within the genus, where many species are autumn-leafing.

Geography of distribution

China

Sources

Plants of the World Online (POWO): Lycoris hyacinthina S.Kurata
World Flora Online (WFO): Lycoris hyacinthina
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Lycoris hyacinthina S.Kurata