121 / 476
GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
very humid,
extremely humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
division
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
vulnerable
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
high
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1200
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
perennial
Height
:
1 m-1.3 m
Spread
:
1.5 m-2 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white, lilac
Size
:
7 cm - 12 cm
Period
:
March - October
Smell
:
scented, strong,
flower
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
5 cm
Toxicity
:
poisonous
St. John Lily or Poison Bulb is an evergreen perennial from Southeast Asia. In Arriyadh, it is best
in partial shade and a humid environment. Broad, dark-green foliage emerges from an enormous
bulb more than 25 cm across. It should be buried half in fertile soil that is rich in humus. Nu-
merous arching leaves reach between 1 and 1.5 metres long and some 12 cm wide, and gradually
taper to the apex. If damaged by frost, they are soon replaced by new growth. Fleshy roots are
easily damaged during transplanting. From spring until autumn, thick pedicels bear umbels of
up to 100 large, fragrant flowers with linear white petals that made imaginative people call it
Spider Lily. The tubes measure some 7 cm in diameter. Inflorescences appear several times per
season and may develop capsules of 5 cm across with globose seeds. All parts are toxic if ingested.
If daughter bulbs are not detached, they eventually create an imposing bunch. C. asiaticum tole-
rates full sun when grown in well-drained, moist soil. Some drought is tolerated by established
plants on open ground. In containers, regular irrigation is essential. Potting soil should retain
water without getting logged. Watering may be reduced in winter when the plant goes dormant,
usually without losing its leaves. Irrigation should be resumed in early spring. Slow-releasing
fertiliser should be applied at this time, while potted plants do best with water soluble nutrients
every fortnight. In winter, plants may be divided, and new plants may also be achieved by sowing.
120
Crinum asiaticum,
Amaryllidaceae
Poison Bulb,
St. John Lily