Spider Lily, Red spider lily, Nerine Lily, Short tube Lycoris

Lycoris radiata

Physical Characteristics

Lycoris radiata is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in leaf from September to July, in flower in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - South-eastern China and southern Japan.

Habitats

South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Bulb - cooked. It is used as a source of starch[105, 177, 179]. The bulb is 2.5 to 3.5cm in diameter[200]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Cancer Emetic Expectorant Poultice The root is used in the treatment of swellings, ulcers and the nervous afflictions of children[218]. The bulb is emetic and expectorant[61, 174, 218], a decoction is used to counteract poison[218] and is also applied to ulcers and swellings[178, 218]. The bulb can be made into a plaster and is then applied to burns and scalds[240]. The plant is said to have anticancer properties[218].

Known Hazards

The bulb contains toxins and must be leached before it is used for food[105, 218]. Bulbs contain 2 inactive alkaloids[179].