lilium pyrophilum

Tony Avent tony@plantdel.com
Thu, 22 May 2003 05:00:42 PDT
Ken:

	We have been growing the new Lilium pyrophilum for about four years.  This
lily has formerly been classified as L. superbum, L. gazarubrum, and L.
iridollae.  It was only after extensive study and tests that it was
determined to truly be a separate species.  While it was classified as L.
iridollae, if was officially on the Federal Endangered Species list.  Now
that it has been removed from that species, it is off the Federal list.
I'm sure that it will eventually be re-submitted, as it is actually rarer
than L. iridollae.  

	While I am a gardner and not a taxonomist, this lily seems quite different
from L. superbum from stature to flower form, to rhizome.  We have never
seen this type of branching stoloniferous rhizome on L. superbum.  As a
member of the NC Rare Plant Scientific Conservation Committee, let me say
that everyone on the committee realizes the importance or burning as an
important tool in habitat maintenance and restoration, but none seem to
have an "agenda" to burn.  As a committee we make reccomendations and then
work with appropriate groups to purchase and maintain sites that contain
endangered plants. 

	In the species publication, it says "Although we acknowledge the
ecological importance of fire to this new lily, we also realize that
frequent fire is not a panacea for all members of the longleaf pine
ecosystem." "That nearly as many lilies exist in powerlines and gaslines as
in areas that burn frequently suggests that mechanical disturbance may be
important as well."  

	As for the lilies need for fire, you are correct.  We have well over 250
plants growing here at the nursery...all started from bulb scales.  None of
these have ever been burned and are growing quite well.  We hope to have
them in the catalog soon...unless they become officially classified as
endangered first.

Tony Avent
Plant Delights Nursery @
Juniper Level Botanic Garden
9241 Sauls Road
Raleigh, NC  27603  USA
Minimum Winter Temps 0-5 F
Maximum Summer Temps 95-105F
USDA Hardiness Zone 7b
email tony@plantdelights.com
website  http://www.plantdel.com/
phone 919 772-4794
fax  919 772-4752
"I consider every plant hardy until I have killed it myself...at least
three times" - Avent


More information about the pbs mailing list