Giant Himalayan Lily

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Giant Himalayan Lily

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lilium cordifolium subsp. giganteum
• Lilium giganteum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Liliales. Ultimately, it is a member of the family Liliaceae and is situated within the genus Cardiocrinum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several distinct regions of Asia. In China, it can be found throughout the South-Central and North-Central territories. Its presence also extends into the Southeast regions of China and the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Beyond China, the species is native to the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, it is documented to grow within the Assam region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cardiocrinum giganteum is defined by its specific distribution across varying altitudinal gradients, where it thrives within a distinct vertical niche. This species is primarily found in montane environments, occupying an elevational range that extends from a minimum of 1300 m AMSL to a maximum of 3700 m AMSL. Within this broad topographical spectrum, the plant reaches its peak prevalence at a mean elevation of approximately 1875 m AMSL, suggesting that its physiological requirements and reproductive success are most optimized within these mid-to-high altitude zones. This altitudinal positioning dictates its exposure to specific temperature regimes, moisture availability, and atmospheric pressures characteristic of mountain ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

3700 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1875 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Cardiocrinum giganteum is characterized by its specialized survival strategy as a perennial herb that relies on underground storage organs to endure unfavorable environmental conditions. Classified primarily as a geophyte, the plant maintains its regenerative potential through large, fleshy bulbs that remain protected beneath the soil surface. This life form is further categorized under the broader grouping of a cryptophyte, as its vital buds and meristematic tissues are concealed underground during dormant periods to avoid desiccation or extreme temperatures. By utilizing these subterranean structures, the plant can effectively navigate seasonal shifts, emerging to produce its large, striking inflorescences when conditions become favorable and retreating into a state of dormancy when the environment becomes hostile.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Cardiocrinum giganteum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, existing as an independent organism rather than a parasite or epiphyte. It is a terrestrial plant that is self-supporting in its growth habit, lacking any climbing or vine-like tendencies. In terms of stature, the plant is relatively diminutive, with a height that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.035 m to a maximum of 0.04 m, maintaining an average plant height of approximately 0.0375 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.04 m

Plant height mean:

0.0375 m

Plant height min:

0.035 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cardiocrinum giganteum is characterized by distinct morphological parameters regarding its foliage development. The leaf structure exhibits significant dimensional variability, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 15 cm to a maximum of 20 cm, resulting in a calculated mean leaf length of 17.5 cm. In terms of lateral expansion, the leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 12 cm and a maximum of 15 cm. These dimensions suggest a robust vegetative growth pattern designed to optimize light interception and photosynthetic efficiency.

Leaf length max:

20 cm

Leaf length mean:

17.5 cm

Leaf length min:

15 cm

Leaf width max:

15 cm

Leaf width min:

12 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cardiocrinum giganteum involves the development of fruits that exhibit specific morphological dimensions. The fruits produced by this species are characterized by a mean length of 3.75 cm and a mean width of 3.75 cm, with dimensions ranging from a minimum of 3.5 cm to a maximum of 4 cm in both length and width. Within these fruits, the seeds are produced with varying weights; the mean seed mass is recorded at 0.00475 g, while individual seeds may range from a minimum mass of 0.00362 g to a maximum mass of 0.00588 g.

Fruit length max:

4 cm

Fruit length mean:

3.75 cm

Fruit length min:

3.5 cm

Fruit width max:

4 cm

Fruit width mean:

3.75 cm

Fruit width min:

3.5 cm

Seed mass max:

0.00588 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00475 g

Seed mass min:

0.00362 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cardiocrinum giganteum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ABSCISIC ACID, Gibberellin, STARCH, glucose.

ABSCISIC ACID

1. Planta

Gibberellin

1. Planta

STARCH

1. Planta

glucose

1. Planta