Shaanxi Spider Lily (Lycoris shaanxiensis)

Shaanxi lycoris
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Lycoris shaanxiensis: The Rare Shaanxi Spider Lily

Among the mist-shrouded mountain slopes of central China, a rare botanical treasure remains largely hidden from the modern world. This wild spider lily thrives in shaded, damp habitats at elevations of around 1,000 meters.

First documented by botanists Y.Xu and Z.B.Hu in 1982, Lycoris shaanxiensis is endemic to the provinces of Shaanxi and Sichuan. Unlike some of its widely cultivated relatives, this species continues to exist primarily in its native wilderness, untouched by large-scale cultivation.

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 shaanxiensis (Shaanxi Spider Lily)

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Morphology

The vegetative structure of Lycoris shaanxiensis is characterized by underground subglobose bulbs, which measure approximately 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter and are covered by dark brown membranous tunics. In early spring, the plant produces linear, strap-shaped leaves that are rich green and measure about 30 to 40 centimeters in length before senescing in early summer.

During late summer, a solid, erect flowering scape emerges, reaching heights of 40 to 60 centimeters. This scape bears a terminal umbel of 4 to 8 delicate flowers. The perianth is typically white or cream-colored, featuring recurved, slightly undulate tepals that give the bloom its characteristic spider-like appearance. The stamens are prominent, extending outward and matching or slightly exceeding the length of the perianth segments.

Flowering season

Flowering occurs in late summer, typically from August to September.

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Interesting facts

Despite being part of a widely admired genus, Lycoris shaanxiensis remains one of the least known spider lilies due to its restricted distribution. The following aspects highlight its unique position in the botanical world:

  • Geographic Isolation: This species is strictly endemic to China, growing wild on the moist slopes of Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces at elevations of 1,000 meters.
  • Late Scientific Discovery: Unlike many common garden plants, this spider lily was unrecognized by modern science until its official description in 1982 by botanists Y.Xu and Z.B.Hu.
  • The 'Naked Lily' Phenomenon: Sharing a trait typical of the genus Lycoris, its foliage completely dies back in summer before the flower stalks emerge, meaning the leaves and flowers are never seen together.

Geography of distribution

  • China

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
  • World Flora Online (WFO).
  • Tropicos.org. Missouri Botanical Garden.
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

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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