Korean orange spider lily (Lycoris sanguinea var. koreana)

Orange-flower surprise lily Korean surprise lily

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Lycoris sanguinea var. koreana - Orange-Flower Surprise Lily

Gracing the damp valleys and shady slopes of the Korean Peninsula, Lycoris sanguinea var. koreana is a beautiful bulbous herb.

This variety represents the regional population of the orange spider lily adapted to the mainland Asian climate.

Its bright orange flowers burst forth from the soil in late summer. This sudden blooming occurs long after the spring leaves have completely withered away.

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 sanguinea (Orange Spider Lily)
∟ variety Lycoris sanguinea var. koreana (Korean orange spider lily)

Morphology

This geophytic perennial features an ovoid bulb with dark brown outer scales. In spring, it produces linear, grayish-green leaves that grow to about 30 to 40 centimeters.

The inflorescence is a terminal umbel carried on a solid, erect scape that grows up to 40 centimeters tall.

Tepals: Bright orange to yellowish-orange, funnelform, and slightly spreading at the apex.
Reproductive organs: The stamens are typically equal in length to or slightly shorter than the tepals, distinguishing it from var. kiushiana.
Seeds: Black, glossy, globose seeds formed within a three-valved capsule.

Flowering season

Late summer, typically blooming in August.

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Applications

Traditional land management utilized the toxic bulbs of this variety to reinforce soil stability around terrace edges and deter burrowing rodents.

It is increasingly appreciated in naturalistic landscaping and native plant restoration projects within Korea for its late-season color.

Interesting facts

The common name 'surprise lily' comes from the rapid emergence of its flower stalks, which can grow several inches in a single day during warm summer rains.

Scientific studies of its bulb extracts have identified numerous alkaloids, which are currently being researched for potential pharmacological applications.

Geography of distribution

South Korea
North Korea

Sources

Plants of the World Online (POWO): Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew database.
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): International open-data infrastructure.
Tropicos: Nomenclatural database from the Missouri Botanical Garden.