Himalayan giant lily
Botanical Name
Cardiocrinum giganteum
Family
Liliaceae (lily)
Also known as
Yunnan lily
Where is it originally from?
Himalaya, China
What does it look like?
One of the largest lilies (<3.5m tall) with a thick, wide, hollow stem tapering upwards. Leaves are thick, shiny green and heart-shaped. Clusters of large, tubular, pinkish-white tubular flowers form at the top of each plant, developing into green sausage shaped pods filled with winged seeds.
Why is it weedy?
Invades woodland and bush areas where there are open spaces, forms a thick cover over the ground, and is shade tolerant.
How does it spread?
Seed spread by gravity, wind (short distances) and humans distributing seed. Originally used in woodland garden settings and has gradually spread out from there.
What damage does it do?
Forms thick cover on the forest floor, crowding out any other species.
Which habitats is it likely to invade?
Forest and bush areas from dry to wet conditions.
What can I do to get rid of it?
Remove seedpods before seed is released, and dispose of them at a refuse transfer station. Dig out plants.
What can I do to stop it coming back?
Ensure no seed is allowed to set and be dispersed. Don't gift seeds or plants to other gardeners.
Images
