Distinguished by its exceptionally long perianth tubes, Lycoris longituba stands out as a unique representative of the genus in eastern China. This deciduous bulbous perennial was first documented by Yung Chun Hsu and G.J. Fan in 1974.
The species is endemic to the forested slopes and grassy hillsides of Jiangsu province. It is particularly valued by plant breeders for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, which diverge from the typical spider-like appearance of other genus members.
The morphological profile of Lycoris longituba is centered around its large floral structure. The underground bulb is globose to ovoid, reaching diameters of 4 to 5 centimeters, enclosed in dark papery scales.
Strap-shaped green leaves emerge in early spring, growing up to 40 centimeters long and about 1.5 to 2 centimeters wide. The leaves wither completely by mid-summer, clearing the way for the stout, erect flowering scape that rises to 60-80 centimeters.
Each inflorescence is an umbel of 5 to 7 flowers. The defining feature is the perianth tube, which measures 4 to 6 centimeters in length, making it significantly longer than that of most other species. The perianth lobes are white or light yellow, spreading wide at the apex.
Late summer
Although not widely cultivated in home gardens, Lycoris longituba is highly prized in botanical collections and hybridization programs. Its long perianth tube and large flower size make it an ideal candidate for breeding new ornamental cultivars.
Its wild populations are protected in China to preserve the genetic diversity of the genus. Due to the high concentration of toxic alkaloids in the bulb, it also serves as a subject for chemical isolation and pharmacological studies.
The species name longituba translates directly to "long tube," reflecting the botanical feature that distinguishes it from its close relatives.
A rare, wild yellow-flowered variety of Lycoris longituba native to Jiangsu province in China.
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