Rare flower found in Iran yard

Village resident in Gilan’s Damash finds a rare flower known as Lilium ledebourii in yard.

Lilium ledebourii is a very rare Asian plant species in the lily family. It was named for German-Estonian botanist Carl Friedrich von Ledebour (1786-1851).

Its native range is the Talish region and Damash in the Amarlu region where is protected by the Department of Environment of Iran.

Lilium ledebourii is called Sousan-e Chehel Cheraagh in Iran and its appearance is one of the most striking features at the time of blooming.

The flower is a persistent herbaceous plant that grows 50 to 150 centimeters tall. The yellow bulbs are oval and reach a diameter of 5 to 7 centimeters; they are highly segmented, and the scales are lance-shaped.

The stem is strong and straight. The leaves stand upright, and have fine hairs on the edge; their shape is linear to lance-shaped. They are 10 to 14 centimeters long, and 1 to 2 centimeters wide.

The monoecious plant of Lilium ledebourii blooms in June and July with a panicle of one to fifteen fragrant flowers.

Lilium ledebourii occurs at altitudes around 2,100 meters. It needs a dry, sunny position in well-drained soil, it is very susceptible to moisture.

MG/AG