Lilium auratum

Lilium auratum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Liliopsida
Order:	Liliales
Family:	Liliaceae
Genus:	Lilium
Species:	L. auratum
Binomial name
Lilium auratum Lindl.

Lilium auratum (山百合 yamayuri; literally "mountain lily") is one of the true lilies. It is native to Japan and is sometimes called the golden rayed lily of Japan or the goldband lily.

Description

The flower colour is typically white with gold radial markings and orange spots, but variations in flower colour and markings are known. For example the variety platyphyllum which bears a gold stripe along the tepals but lacks spots. The strongly scented flowers are the largest of any lily species and the largest plants, which can reach 2.5 metres (8 ft), can carry up to twenty of these.

It has been used widely in breeding and many of the more spectacular modern cultivars are derived in part from this species.

Lilium auratum var. auratum pollen

Cultivation

This lily does well in plain or acidic soil; rich or fertilised soil will kill the plant. Bulbs should be planted in a hole three times their size in both depth and width in a well drained area. The best position for this plant is one where its top will receive sunlight while its base remains shaded.

This lily can be cultivated by seed, but for faster reproduction scaling is recommended. Its life span (around 3 or 4 years) is significantly less than that of its descendants, so reproducing this plant is important for gardeners.