Nerine sarniensis

For another plant known as Guernsey lily, see Nerine bowdenii.
Nerine sarniensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Subfamily: Amaryllidoideae
Genus: Nerine
Species: N. sarniensis
Binomial name
Nerine sarniensis
Herb.

Nerine sarniensis (Guernsey lily, Jersey lily) is a species of flowering plant. Despite its common name it is neither a true lily nor does it originate from the Channel Isles. In fact, as a member of Amaryllidaceae it is more closely related to Amaryllis and Sternbergia. It is native to the Northern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa, though it is now naturalized in France, Madeira and Azores.[1]

Nerine sarniensis is a bulbous perennial growing to 45 cm (18 in) tall by 8 cm (3 in) wide, with strap-shaped leaves and umbels of crimson, lily-like flowers with conspicuous stamens, in late summer and early autumn.[2]

Widely cultivated in the temperate world, it is particularly associated with the island of Guernsey, as reflected in both its Latin and common names (sarniensis means "from Guernsey").[3] It requires winter protection in colder areas. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4]Nerine lily is known among florists as one of the longest lasting flowers there is.


References

  1. Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  2. Herbert, William. 1820. Botanical Magazine 47: t. 2124, Nerine sarniensis
  3. Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. p. 224. ISBN 9781845337315.
  4. "RHS Plant Selector - Nerine sarniensis". Retrieved 27 June 2013.

External links