Formosa lily

Formosa lily is a perennial herb with distinctive large flowers.

Description

• Stem is erect, unbranched, and 1 metre tall, usually dark green but occasionally purple-brown towards the base.

• Leaves are between 7.5-20cm long, stalkless, and hairless.

• Flowers are large, trumpet-like, white/purple, and visible between January-March.

• Seeds capsules are cylindrical, produced in February-April, and contain winged seeds.

• Seeds are dispersed by wind and water and spreads vegetatively via underground bulbs.

• Habitats include coastal areas, sand dunes, cliffs, scrub, disturbed areas, roadsides, pasture, track sides, and open canopies.

What you need to know

Formosa lily forms dense stands and competes with native plant species such as harakeke (flax).

Management approach

Formosa lily is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of formosa lily yourself. Report any sightings to us.