Uydo Spider Lily (Lycoris uydoensis)

Uydo surprise lily

Lycoris uydoensis: The Uydo Surprise Lily | Botanical Encyclopedia

Endemic to the mountainous coastal regions of South Korea, this rare perennial herb stands out for its delicate beauty. Lycoris uydoensis, commonly referred to as the Uydo surprise lily, thrives in rocky elevations where it remains protected under local conservation initiatives.

First formally described in 2004 by South Korean botanist Kim Mu-yeol, the species represents a unique evolutionary lineage within the Amaryllidaceae family. Its narrow distribution makes it a subject of significant ecological interest and monitoring.

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 uydoensis (Uydo Spider Lily)

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Morphology

This bulbous geophyte features a perennial life cycle with distinctive vegetative and reproductive phases. Linear leaves emerge and mature during the cooler months before senescing ahead of the flowering period.

Key morphological features include:

  • Bulb: Subterranean tunicate bulb serving as a nutrient reservoir.
  • Leaves: Broadly linear and green, drying out before the flower scape emerges.
  • Inflorescence: An umbel-like cluster consisting of 5 to 8 individual blossoms borne atop a sturdy, leafless stem.
  • Flowers: Funnel-shaped, elegant cream-white tepals that open fully in late summer.

Flowering season

August to September

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Interesting facts

Like many members of the genus Lycoris, the foliage of this species is completely absent when the flowers appear. This striking botanical phenomenon has earned the genus the nickname "surprise lilies" or "magic lilies."

It is currently classified as a species of Least Concern (LC) on the South Korean Red List, yet its localized coastal distribution makes it vulnerable to climate changes.

Geography of distribution

  • South Korea

Sources

  • World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy

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 …

Read more →