Crinum macowanii

• Cape Coast lily

• Cape Lily

• Sabie Crinum

• Common Vlei Crinum

• Common Vlei-lily

• River Lily 

• River Crinum

• Rivierlelie (A)

• Boslelie (A)

• Sabielelie (A)

• intelezi (X)

• umduze (Z)

Description

• A robust and stately, rather large geophyte, with a variable growth habit over its wide distribution. It has a fairly strange, necked bulb from which long, fleshy, whip-like, wavy-edged leaves radiate, and its bright, rosy-white, tubular flowers contrast sharply with the bluish-green foliage. The spring borne flowers are very showy, being quite large, open, trumpet-shaped, and coloured in different shades of pink, with ebony anthers and dark, sweet pollen. The strongly fragranced flowers are held erect above the plant on a slender yet sturdy stalk, usually open in the twilight hours, and last about two days. The genus name is derived from the Greek word for lily – krinon, and these are hardy, rewarding garden plants.

Family

• Amaryllidaceae (The Amaryllis family)

Habitat

• This is one of the most widely distributed species of Crinum indigenous to South Africa.

• It favours summer rainfall areas of the southern, eastern and central parts of the country, and can be found from the coast to montane regions of about 2000 m above sea-level.

• It frequents a wide variety of habitats, from wet grasslands and vlei-like areas, to woodlands and coastal scrubland.

• It is also often found on rocky outcrops and near rivers or along streambanks.

• From the Eastern cape to Zimbabwe, with a scattered distribution in Gauteng, the Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Foliage & Bulb

• Deciduous.

• The often large, globose bulbs, which can vary in size from 60 to about 280 mm diameter, typically narrow into a short neck-like feature, and give rise to a low, almost basal rosette or clump of fleshy, strap-like leaves.

• The spreading and slightly arched leaves (600-800 x 1450-160 mm), are heavily channelled with a prominent, scabrous midrib and faintly undulating margins.

• They have a bluish-green colour, usually form a short stem, and can grow quite large and lengthy in shady, damp environments.

Flowers

• Each plant produces a long (800-1200 mm), sturdy stalk from which 2-25, upwards opening flowers emerge.

• Older and larger specimens have been seen with up to 5 of these flower stems, which are erect at first, and gradually recline.

• The flowers are very beautiful; large and trumpet or bell-shaped, with short tubes and petals that curve backwards at the tips.

• The slender flowers are pale to dark pink and white, with slightly darker crimson stripes and a dark keel.

• The anthers are black tipped, and the pollen is black.

• They have a strong, lovely fragrance and typically bloom at the start of the rainy season.

Fruit

• After the flowers, at the ends of the flower stalks, attractive, green to yellow, fleshy, gnarled and slightly beaked, layered seed capsules (40-60 mm), appear.

• Each seed head contains up to 20 small, smooth, silvery grey-green seeds which are scattered when it splits open.

• The uneven, somewhat corky surface of the seeds acts as a natural water-deterrent and helps them stay afloat for extended periods of time, thus enhancing seed dispersal in their natural environment.

Height

• 500 – 1100 mm.

Medicinal

• C.macowanii has a rich and diverse history of use in traditional medicine and has been used to treat various afflictions in both animals and humans.

• Several alkaloids have been isolated from the leaves and parts of the bulb, and these have a wide range of biological activities.

• Extracts have shown various antifungal, antitumor, antiviral, antispasmodic, analgesic and hypotensive effects, and are even said to influence the cardiovascular and central nervous system.

• The plant is typically not used on its own but is mixed with other ingredients.

• Concoctions are used for cleansing the blood, to treat bladder and kidney ailments and to reduce fever and swellings.

• It is also used to treat diarrhoea, urinary tract problems and pain in the lower back.

• The leaves are made into a bandage to treat swellings and wounds, and mixtures of the different parts have been used to treat rashes, boils, sores, acne and other skin ailments.

• Several animal diseases are also treated with concoctions of this plant, and it is popular in traditional veterinary medicine.

• Crinamine, which is a powerful respiratory depressant and transient hypotensive for dogs, also occurs in many Crinum species.

• Further investigation into the various biological activities efficacy, toxicity and clinical relevance are needed, and continued use of extracts is not currently recommended, as it does contain toxic substances.

Warnings

• The bulbs do contain certain highly toxic compounds, and some species of Crinum have traditionally been used as arrow poisons by local people.

• Due to its alleged miraculous medicinal properties, it has been extensively and unsustainably harvested over the last few years.

• It is now facing a continued threat with regards to its natural population.

• These fleshy plants are a prime and favoured target of the Amaryllis caterpillar, and the little worms should be removed as quickly as possible.

Wildlife

• The strongly scented flowers attract bees, butterflies and a host of other insects.

• The insects that flock towards the flowers will lure certain insectivorous bird species.

Advantages

• These stately lilies are the perfect addition to a mixed flower border, and they can tolerate slightly adverse conditions.

• The highly perfumed flowers, which are at their most fragrant towards the evening, can be planted close to a window or patio where their lovely scent can be fully appreciated.

• They make lovely and strikingly beautiful garden plants, and if planted as focal or accent specimens, they are sure to attract attention.

• An established and happy Crinum can produce more than 3 inflorescences in succession.

• They do not like to be disturbed, do not require too much maintenance, and are ideal for smaller spaces.

• Due to its ease of cultivation, and the fact that it readily produces masses of seed, it is a very popular choice for a great many landscaping applications.

• The River Lily makes a wonderful container specimen, and also looks very pretty in a rockery or wild/jungle themed garden.

• As they tolerate very wet and poorly drained soils, they are the perfect choice for planting next to or in close proximity of a water feature such as a pond, where other bulbs may struggle.

Tolerance

• It is frost tender but can survive outdoors in areas that experience only occasional and mild frosty spells.

• In areas that experience regular, severe colds and frosts, it is better suited to indoor planting in large containers or should be planted in a very sheltered position.

• The Sabie Crinum is a water-loving bulb, but also has a relatively high drought tolerance, as it can store some moisture in its underground tuber.

• During the winter months it requires no extra water, and should be kept as dry as possible, especially in colder climates.

Growth Rate

• This is a moderately fast growing bulbous perennial that will typically reach flowering age after about 3 seasons.

• It is also quite long-lived under ideal conditions and does not take well to being moved or disturbed.

Lighting

• These bulbs prefer a sunny position, and will grow best there, but may accept very light shade.

Soil & Water

• These bulbs are very tolerant to a wide range of soil conditions, and in nature they can be found growing in moist alluvial and hard, dry shale-like, sandy soils.

• They even tolerate somewhat brackish and clayish soils.

• However, for the best flowering and plant development, they prefer a moist, humus (nutrient) rich, very well-drained loamy or peaty soil, with a slightly acidic ph.

• It is a heavy-feeder, and benefits greatly from a regular dose of liquid fertiliser or enriched compost, which will be most beneficial if given in early spring.

• During the active growing months, make sure it has a steady supply of water, this can be reduced during late summer, completely stopped in winter, and should commence as soon as temperatures start to rise again.

Propagation

• This species is most often grown from seed, as it produces these readily and in a great number.

• The seeds however do not have a long viability period and should be sown very soon after harvesting.

• Sow the seeds into deep seedlings trays filled with a well-drained and nutrient rich medium.

• Place the trays in a bright, warm, temperate area and keep the soil moist.

• Germination typically occurs within 2-3 weeks.

• After about 2 season the bulbs should be moved to their permanent positions, and then left undisturbed.

• Plant the bulbs with the necks slightly exposed and just above ground level and remember to check them regularly for signs of bug infestation.