Splendid mariposa lily (Calochortus splendens, Trans. Hort. Soc. London, ser. 2, 1: 411 (1834 publ. 1835))

Family: Liliaceae

Author: Douglas ex Benth.

Bibliography: Trans. Hort. Soc. London, ser. 2, 1: 411 (1834 publ. 1835)

Year: 1835

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Calochortus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: California to Mexico (N. Baja California)

Description

The splendid mariposa lily, scientifically named Calochortus splendens, is a captivating species within the Liliaceae family. This exquisite plant was officially documented in the early 19th century, first appearing in the works of notable botanists Douglas and George Bentham in the Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London.

Indigenous to the regions spanning from California to northern Baja California in Mexico, the splendid mariposa lily thrives in these geographically diverse areas. Its natural habitat ranges from coastal sage scrub to chaparral and grasslands, adapting well to the Mediterranean climate characterized by wet winters and dry summers.

Calochortus splendens is celebrated for its striking beauty. The plant typically features slender stems which support its vibrant blooms. The flowers of the splendid mariposa lily are particularly noteworthy for their stunning shades of violet, lavender, or pink, forming a distinctive cup or bell shape. Each blossom is adorned with delicate markings and a shimmering, silky texture that almost appears iridescent under the sunlight.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the splendid mariposa lily holds ecological significance within its native range. It plays a crucial role in local ecosystems, providing nectar and habitat for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The bulb of the plant can also occasionally be a food source for some wildlife species.

The splendid mariposa lily stands as a vivid testament to the remarkable biodiversity found in the Californian and Mexican terrains. Its resilience and decorative charm make it a subject of interest not only for botanists but also for garden enthusiasts looking to introduce native flora into their landscapes. Despite facing challenges such as habitat loss and environmental changes, conservation efforts continue to support the preservation of this emblematic plant, ensuring that its beauty can be admired for generations to come.

Common Names

Eng: splendid mariposa lily
En: Splendid mariposa lily

Synonyms

• Calochortus splendens var. ruber (Purdy & L.H.Bailey)
• Mariposa splendens ((Douglas ex Benth.) Hoover)
• Calochortus splendens var. major (Purdy)
• Calochortus davidsonianus (Abrams)
• Calochortus splendens var. atroviolaceus ((Wallace) Purdy & L.H.Bailey)
• Calochortus splendens atroviolaceus (Wallace)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)

Additional Images

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

Flower

Taken May 19, 2021 by Douglas Bachman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Ortiz Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Ortiz Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Ortiz Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Ortiz Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 15, 2018 by Lisa J (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 21, 2022 by Gomes Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 2, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2750882)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:532470-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Calochortus splendens Douglas ex Benth.)

Specifications

Growth