My first set of lilies were the wild ones I had picked up on a trip to my uncle's at Kanjirappally in Kerala-India during school days. The sides of the hilly roads bordering the rubber plantations were lined with these trumpet flowers in different shades. We plucked a few of them on our way back, returned home to plant them in our garden. I didn't know until then they were borne out of bulbs.
My love for lilies could have started then & after watching them bloom around the home but I can't be certain of that. However I grew up to love them even more.
Whenever it comes to buying flowers I usually go for a twig of lilies, and the tube rose, watch the buds bloom over the rest of the days. The latter in addition alter the fragrance of the space. The lilies’ in comparison are faint.
That said, I still have no clue whatsoever about the names of lilies. Also of orchids. Therefore, as you may have noticed, I labelled this one from the garden, white & pink stripes 🤪 But you know what, that's exactly one of its common names— the pink striped trumpet lily. So much for complicated names & naming systems.
Its Latin name Crinum latifolium Linn. translates to lilies with wide leaves. Folium pertains to leaves, Crinum is from the Greek krinon meaning lily. Linn./L. refers to the father of taxonomy, Carl von Linné (1707 -78). Remind me to learn Latin.
Out of the other common names listed on Flowers of India, I like that poesy in Milk and Wine Lily with wine pink stripes. There is something very relatable yet romantic about that description.
Where do you go in search of the names of lilies, do you go in search of names? Do you make a few on your own? There are so many of them, how long can I sit back to call it red and white with yellow spots etc. I'd like to know a lily by its name.
The apps aren't always reliable. To me they work as a sneak peak, a quick summary, like wikipedia is, after which I go in search for them using the many descriptions & indicators. When absolutely nothing else works, I ask the help of a few people I've met online over the last couple of years interested in observing and clicking plants. The interest and curiosity is mutual.
What's blooming in your garden this week when most of the world has been locked down by the novel Corona virus? My fascination has shifted from the bitter gourd flowers on the fence to the red lilies in the garden proper.
Stay healthy & happy, much love
