Crinum pedunculatum is a large bulbous perennial herb, which may reach 2 (or even 3) m high by a 2-3 m spread. The leaves are strappy and up to 2 m long by 15 cm wide and thickened, with blunt points. The flowers, occurring throughout the year, are about 10 cm across and borne in clusters of 10-25. The pleasantly perfumed flowers are most commonly white, but a form with reddish-purple flowers also occurs. They are followed by rounded, beaked seed fruits 2 to 5 cm across, each containing one to several seeds. Two color forms of this species occur in Hawaii: one with green leaves and white flowers, and the other with reddish leaves and pink to purple-red flowers (Staples & Herbst, 2005).
This large lily is a very versatile and hardy plant. It makes a great feature plant for the home garden, especially when large. It can be grown in a wide range of conditions from full sun to half shade or more. It tolerates poor drainage and clay soils. Swamp lily flower well in container and can also be grown as partial aquatic, near the edge of a pond.
This species is native to northern Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, and various other south Pacific islands (Staples & Herbst, 2005). Crinum pedunculatum is sometimes considered as a synonym of Crinum asiaticum (Staples & Herbst 2005: A tropical Garden Flora)..
The name "Crinum" comes from the Greek word Crinon, meaning a lily. The word "pedunculatum" comes from the Latin term "pedunculatus", meaning "with a peduncle", referring to the long flower stalks.
We currently have 12 herbarium specimens for Crinum asiaticum var. pedunculatum in our collection. Click on any specimen below to view the herbarium sheet data.
