Qinling Spider Lily (Lycoris tsinlingensis)

Tsinling spider lily

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Lycoris tsinlingensis: Qinling Mountains Spider Lily Guide

Endemic to the Qinling Mountains of China, this species offers a unique pale yellow bloom during late summer. It grows in moist, shady environments such as rocky ravines and forest floors. The plant represents a highly specialized species adapted to montane microclimates.

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 tsinlingensis (Qinling Spider Lily)

Morphology

Key physical traits of this species include:

Bulb: Ovoid form covered by dark brown protective tunics.
Leaves: Deep green linear blades about 1.5 centimeters wide that persist until spring.
Inflorescence: An umbel composed of 5 to 8 pale yellow flowers.

The perianth lobes are moderately recurved and undulate along the margins. The filaments are prominent and curved, extending beyond the flower petals.

Flowering season

August

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Name

Dec

Applications

The species serves as a valuable genetic resource in botanical research due to its adaptability to colder mountain climates. Its unique flower coloration is of interest to taxonomists studying color evolution in the genus. Because the tissues contain toxic alkaloids, it has no commercial food applications.

Interesting facts

The name tsinlingensis is derived from the Tsinling mountain range, a major geographic and climatic divide in central China. This geographic barrier has fostered the evolution of numerous endemic plant species. The bulb contains lycorine, a toxic chemical compound that deters herbivores from feeding on it.

Geography of distribution

China

Sources

Plants of the World Online (POWO): Lycoris tsinlingensis P.C.Zhang & Y.T.Zhao
World Flora Online (WFO): Lycoris tsinlingensis
Tropicos: Nomenclature database entry for Lycoris tsinlingensis