Nepal Lily
Lilium nepalense

Family: Liliaceae

What it is like

A herb and bulb plant. The bulb is 2 cm across. The plant grows to 1.5 m high and spreads 30-45 cm wide. There are underground stems which can produce bulbs and new shoots. The leaves do not have leaf stalks. Leaves are alternate, opposite or in rings. They are 3-12.5 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. The are sword shaped and taper. The flowers are large and creamy yellow with purple dots. They occur singly and droop.

There are about 100 Lilium species.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. In Nepal plants grow between 2200-3400 m altitude. They grow in moist places. In China it grows in bushy places in mixed forest between 2600-2900 m altitude in S China. It needs protection from frost. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Britain, China, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The boiled bulbs are eaten.

Edible parts

Root, bulbs, flavouring, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or by bulbs.

Its other names

Local names

Ban lasun, Khiraule, Okhe alu, Zi ban hai he

Synonyms

Lilium ochroleucum Wall. ex Baker;