Crinum bulbispermum (Burm. f.) Milne-Redh. & Schweick.

Milk and Wine Lily; Orange River Lily

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Milk and Wine Lily and Orange River Lily are introduced herbaceous perennials in the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). Both are members of the same species which is native to South Africa, and are widely cultivated in south Alabama. Milk and Wine Lily is most often used to refer to plants with white flowers streaked with pink or red and Orange River Lily for plants with uniform flower color. Both types occasionally can be found in waste dumps, around old home sites, in vacant lots, or in wetlands. They are perennials from a large bulb. The plant is scapose (without leaves on the flowering stem). Leaves are basal, thick, glabrous, and linear in outline. Fragrant flowers are produced in a terminal umbel of 5-10 flowers at the apex of the scape. The scape is solid. The inflorescence is subtended by 2 membranous bracts that are lanceolate in outline. Individual flowers are pedicellate, campanulate in shape, with the perianth united into a short, straight tube. The flowers range in color from solid white through light or dark pink, or white with a central red or pink stripe. The fruit is a capsule with fleshy or corky seeds. Milk and Wine Lily and Orange River Lily are popular ornamentals and add a “tropical” feel to the landscape. They prefer a moist, organic rich soil in full sun to light shade. Plants are tolerant of waterlogged soils, and grow along rivers and streams in their native habitat. Bulbs can be purchased from many sources, and large plants can be divided in the fall and offsets planted separately.--A. Diamond

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Not Native

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