Notholirion macrophyllum is a species of flowering plant in the lily family, Liliaceae. They are bulbous flowering plants originating in Asia. N. macrophyllum is the smallest species in the family, with a height of 20–25cm. The leaves are basal, 30–40cm long and about 2cm wide. from June to August N. macrophyllum produces a racemose inflorescence bearing 2–4 (occasionally 6) pale violet to purple or red, bell-shaped, hermaphrodite, flowers with dark purple flecks in the throat, about 5cm in length. After flowering the plant produces a capsular fruit.

Distribution

The area of distribution includes Tibet, Nepal, Sichuan, Yunnan, Bhutan, and Sikkim, where it is found in oak forests, and on grassy slopes and meadows at altitudes from 2800 to 3400 m.

Bibliography

  • Stephen Haws: The Lilies of China, 1986, pp.153–154, ISBN0881920347