Lilium nobilissimum
Lilium nobilissimum is a rare lily from the lily family that grows only on Kuchinoshima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. It thrives on sea cliffs and open meadows at 50–200 meters above sea level.
Description
- It is a bulbous perennial. The bulb is about 6.5 cm across, with white or yellowish scales. The stem stands 40–70 cm tall and may produce bulbils in the leaf axils.
- Leaves are broad, smooth-edged, up to 18 cm long.
- The plant can bear up to seven upright, white, fragrant flowers. The flowers are cup-shaped to broadly tubular, with a waxy texture and a greenish base. Each flower measures about 12–14 cm by 3–4 cm.
- Flowering usually occurs from late June to July (some sources note July to September).
- The fruit is an oblong capsule, 3–5 cm long, with a deeply ridged surface. Seeds germinate below the soil.
Habitat and cultivation
- Lilium nobilissimum grows on cliffs and in meadows on Kuchinoshima, at elevations of 50–200 meters.
- It is not winter-hardy and does best in a cool greenhouse. It dislikes strong sun and wet conditions, which can promote leaf burn and disease.
Taxonomy and history
- It was first described by Makino in 1902 as a form of Lilium japonicum and was raised to full species in 1914.
- The naming and classification have been complex, with many synonyms over time. Modern studies place it in a group related to other Archelirion lilies, including L. alexandrae.
- In Japan, it is known as tamoto-yuri, a name linked to local traditions and possible reference to transporting bulbs in kimono sleeves or to a nearby place name.
- It is a prefectural natural monument of Kagoshima (designated September 7, 1953).
Conservation and use
- Lilium nobilissimum was once overharvested and thought extinct in the wild, but seeds and replanting efforts have helped its survival. Nagasaki University supports restoration programs.
- The plant is valued in floral breeding for producing upright oriental lilies with rich colors.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 21:24 (CET).