14 Jan Formosa lily
Lilium formosanum
Also known as Taiwan Lily, this plant is rapidly
becoming a naturalised weed in many states
of Australia infesting roadsides, disturbed
areas, wastelands and even bushland.
Family: Liliaceae
Origin: Asia (Taiwan)
Habit: Deciduous perennial herb with annual flowering stalks 1-2m long.
Leaves: Mid to dark green, elongated, linear, sessile leaves are arranged
spirally or whirled along the stems.
Flowers: Large trumpet shaped highly fragrant flowers, pure white on
the inside, pink or purple/brown stripes on the outside bearing
prominent yellow anthers. Summer.
Fruit: Copious papery winged seeds borne in a large capsule.
Roots: Underground bulb with numerous fleshy scales
(resembling garlic).
Dispersal: Seeds, bulbs and bulb scales spread by water, wind, humans,
contaminated soil (earthmoving equipment, car tyres etc) and
garden refuse dumping.
Control: Difficult. Hand dig, ensuring all scales are removed. Best done
before flowering. Extensive follow-up required. Remove and bag
seed heads (capsules). Foliar sprays ineffective.
