Crimum pedunculatum, Swamp Lily
The 1m long and 10cm wide, smooth leaves of the Swamp Lily
This Lily is in the Daffodil Family , Amaryllidaceae, and is native to coastal regions of Queensland and New South Wales. It grows both in sand dunes above the high water mark along seepage lines and on the banks of tidal streams, in lagoons and in Paperbark swamps. The flowers are at their best now but will continue well into summer and are followed by equally decorative large pale green fruit containing a couple of large seeds.
Despite its coastal origin,the Swamp lily has proven to be reliable in a variety of garden situations and even has been used in median strip planting on busy roads. The problems encountered in growing it mainly come from leaf eating caterpillars which can strip the entire leaf, starting at the top and working their way down the entire stem. If the plant is badly damaged ,it can be cut off at ground level and soon regrows from the large underground bulb. Propagation is usually from the large seed which can be germinated in sand.
2017 update: I currently don't have any stock.
Despite its coastal origin,the Swamp lily has proven to be reliable in a variety of garden situations and even has been used in median strip planting on busy roads. The problems encountered in growing it mainly come from leaf eating caterpillars which can strip the entire leaf, starting at the top and working their way down the entire stem. If the plant is badly damaged ,it can be cut off at ground level and soon regrows from the large underground bulb. Propagation is usually from the large seed which can be germinated in sand.
2017 update: I currently don't have any stock.
Isn't it prone to attack by snails? the native crinum lilies here are usually disfigured by them. If I am not mistaken, it has a heady fragrance.
ReplyDeleteIan, this lily just goes to show that some floral beauty can grow in any surrounding. I wonder what Darwin would say about the Crimum pedunculatum?
ReplyDeleteI admired this today growing in the surrounds of one of the busiest roads in Sydney ,Southern Cross Drive near Sydney Airport. It sure cops a lot of pollution and still flowers brilliantly.
ReplyDeleteYes I think Darwin would be interested in this because the seeds have a corky coating making them impervious to water so I assume they float to a new home before germinating.