Illyrian sea lily (Pancratium illyricum, Sp. Pl.: 291 (1753))

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 291 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pancratium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Corse, Sardegna, Italy (I. di Capri)

Description

The Illyrian sea lily, scientifically known as Pancratium illyricum, is a remarkable and captivating flowering plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. This distinguished species was first documented in Species Plantarum on page 291 in the year 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, often abbreviated as L.

Native primarily to Corse, Sardegna, and specific regions of Italy, including the Island of Capri, the Illyrian sea lily thrives in these Mediterranean localities. It is well-adapted to the coastal climates and rocky terrains of these areas, which significantly contribute to its unique characteristics and resilience.

The Illyrian sea lily is celebrated for its striking, star-shaped, white flowers that often bloom in clusters, emitting an enchanting fragrance. These blossoms typically emerge from robust, bulbous roots, which allow the plant to store nutrients and water efficiently, hence enabling it to withstand the arid conditions of its natural habitat.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Pancratium illyricum holds cultural and botanical significance in its native regions. It is frequently found gracing the rocky slopes and open fields, serving not only as a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean but also as a symbol of nature’s resilience and beauty.

Gardening enthusiasts and botanists alike cherish the Illyrian sea lily for its ability to bring an exotic and elegant touch to gardens, particularly those designed to emulate natural, Mediterranean landscapes. Its cultivation requires conditions that mimic its natural environment, with well-drained soil and ample sunlight being paramount for its growth.

Intriguingly, the Illyrian sea lily is part of a broader ecological web, supporting various pollinators and contributing to the health and sustainability of its native ecosystems. Conservation efforts are essential to preserve this plant, ensuring that it continues to flourish in its natural surroundings and beyond.

In conclusion, Pancratium illyricum, or the Illyrian sea lily, is more than just a plant; it is a vibrant illustration of the botanical richness of the Mediterranean region. Its enduring allure and ecological importance make it a subject of continuous admiration and study among botanists and plant lovers worldwide.

Common Names

Swe: liten strandlilja
Fra: pancrais d’illyrie
Ita: giglio marino illirico
En: Illyrian Sea Lily
Co: Ciuvodda canina
Cs: Lír ilyrský
Nl: Zeelelie
Fi: Kalliomerinarsissi
Fr: Pancrace d’Illyrie, Pancrais d’Illyrie
De: Illyrische Trichternarzisse, Pancrazlilie
It: Giglio marino di Sardegna, Giglio Marino Illirico, Giglio di Sardegna
Sv: Liten strandlilja
: Illyrian sea lily

Synonyms

• Pancratium stellare (Salisb.)
• Almyra stellaris ((Salisb.) Salisb.)
• Zouchia illyrica ((L.) Raf.)
• Almyra illyrica ((L.) Salisb.)
• Halmyra stellaris (Parl.)

Distribution

• Corse (native)
• Italy (native)
• Sardegna (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Apr 8, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2019 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by anne (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2016 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2021 by Sophie Roure (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2020 by Babeth Santoni (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2016 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2018 by Diana Gavino (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 17, 2021 by Syr Asd (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by jules Remadi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2020 by Blaise Lubila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Waldmann Stephanie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 1987 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Fruit

Taken Oct 29, 2022 by Thibaut Durr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2022 by Thibaut Durr (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Meister Martin (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

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2853249)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:66448-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pancratium illyricum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]