This is an excerpt from R. E. Harrison's book published 1971 - Reed Books: "L. fomosamun. This well-known trumpet lily is a native of Formosa, and often confused with a close- ly related species L. philippinense, which has shorter flowers and slightly broader leaves. It is doubtful however, if the true L. philippinense is in general cultivation- L. formosanum is one of the easiest of lilies to raise from seed, and some forms will bloom within six months of sowing in the open ground. In fact in mild climates blooms can be secured throughout the winter with odd heads maturing throughout the year. Were it not that the immense pure white trumpets, each from six to ten inches long and with the reverse stained purple, are too large for general florist use, it would prove a grand lily for the cut flower market. No doubt smaller flowered types are being evolved, because this is a lily that provides some interesting varia- tions. The ordinary form will grow from four to eight feet tall, with six to twelve of these immense long-tubed trumpets. In colder climates or higher altitudes the reverse of the perianth assumes deeper tones, deepening even to a chocolate to reddish- purple. A lower growing form, seldom exceeding two feet in height, and carrying but two or three trumpets, is called pricei, while a pure white- flowered strain which has been developed is known as L. formosanum var. pricei "Album". In New Zealand this lily and its forms do not appear to be long-lived, the plant deteriorating after reaching maximum vigour, so that a fresh crop of seed should be sown every year or so. It is a prolific seeder." regards, Bill Richardson, West Gippsland, Victoria, Australia ixia@dcsi.net.au Ixia Website: http://www.angelfire.com/ri/ixia/ ----- Original Message ----- From: <johngrimshaw@tiscali.co.uk> To: "Pacific Bulb Society" <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org> Sent: Friday, November 11, 2005 8:14 PM Subject: Re: [pbs] Lillium formosanum