Crinum album

Crinum album, commonly known as the White Spider Lily, is a perennial bulbous plant prized for its striking white blooms. Renowned in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, it is used to treat various ailments. However, its potent alkaloids require careful handling, as the plant contains toxic compounds if misused.

  • Scientific name: Crinum album
  • Family: Amaryllidaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered as Asparagales and placed in the family Amaryllidaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Crinum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Amaryllidaceae WCVP
Genus Crinum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Crinum album, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called the white amaryllis or the lily amaryllis, while in Hindi, it is known as sujan. In the local languages of the Mediterranean and surrounding regions, it is often identified as lily of the Nile or simply as the white crinum.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the Middle East. Its presence is documented across the vast landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. Specifically, it can be found growing in the territory of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the species is also native to the region of Yemen. These locations represent the primary areas where the plant thrives in the wild.

Region Area Source
Arabian Peninsula Saudi Arabia WCVP
Arabian Peninsula Yemen WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the white spider lily, derives much of its therapeutic significance from its underground structures, specifically its large, fleshy bulbs. These bulbs serve as the primary storage organs for the plant, containing the concentrated alkaloids and bioactive compounds that are frequently utilized in traditional medicinal practices. Because the bulbs are nutrient-dense and chemically potent, they are the most crucial part of the plant when harvested for pharmacological study or herbal applications.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
bulbs 1 ★☆☆☆☆