Formosan lily (Lilium formosanum, Garden (London, 1871-1927) 40: 442 (1891))

Family: Liliaceae

Author: A.Wallace

Bibliography: Garden (London, 1871-1927) 40: 442 (1891)

Year: 1891

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lilium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Taiwan

Description

The Formosan lily, known scientifically as Lilium formosanum, is a captivating flowering plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. This elegant species showcases the timeless beauty and intricate structure characteristic of lilies, making it a cherished addition to any garden or natural landscape.

Native to Taiwan, the Formosan lily thrives in environments that offer bounteous sunlight and well-drained soil. It is renowned for its resilience and its ability to beautify various terrains, from the lowland regions to the hilly areas it commonly inhabits. This particular lily is distinguished by its tall, slender stalks adorned with striking trumpet-shaped flowers. The blossoms, which tend to bloom throughout the summer, exhibit a pristine white hue and emanate a subtle yet enchanting fragrance, attracting pollinators and delighting gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.

The documented cultivation and appreciation of the Formosan lily can be traced back to pivotal horticultural literature. A.Wallace’s detailed account of this species, as published in the esteemed journal “Garden” in 1891 (London, 1871-1927, Volume 40, Page 442), provides significant insights and observations from Taiwan, emphasizing the lily’s exceptional qualities and its potential for widespread cultivation.

Admirers of the Formosan lily often praise its versatility and ease of care. Though it possesses an exotic origin, it is highly adaptable, with the ability to flourish under a variety of garden settings if basic growing conditions are met. When planted in clusters, the Formosan lily creates a dramatic display, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of garden borders, perennial beds, and wildflower meadows.

Gardeners and botanists continue to celebrate the Formosan lily not only for its visual allure but also for its symbolic representation of purity and elegance. The plant’s historic and botanical significance, along with its enchanting blossoms, ensure that it remains a beloved and enduring member of the dynamic Liliaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: formosa lily, formosan lily, st. joseph’s lily, taiwan lily, trumpet lily
Afr: sintjosefslelie, trompetlelie
En: Formosan lily, Trumpet lily, Taiwan lily, St. Joseph’s lily, Formosa lily, St Joseph’s lily
Af: Trompetlelie, Sintjosefslelie
Zh: Tai wan bai he, 台湾百合, 臺灣百合
Fi: Formosanlilja
Pt-br: Lírio
Sv: Basunlilja
Zh-tw: 臺灣百合

Synonyms

• Lilium longiflorum var. formosanum (Baker)
• Lilium zairei (Mynett & Mackiewicz)
• Lilium philippinense var. formosanum (Grove)
• Lilium formosanum var. microphyllum (T.S.Liu & S.S.Ying)
• Lilium formosanum var. pricei (Stoker)

Distribution

• Taiwan (native)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 5, 2020 by lithos simeon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2021 by Geoffrey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 1, 2016 by EOL − tangatawhenua (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Любочка (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2020 by andrea (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Birget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2022 by Sharon Parkinson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2020 by Kenneth Parker (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lilium formosanum Wallace)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2753371)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60467143-2)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth