Flower · GBIF taxon 2757553
Hidden Lily
Curcuma petiolataAlso known as Queen Lily, Jewel of Thailand, Hidden Ginger
Hidden lilies emerge each spring from subterranean rhizomes, unfurling broad, pleated leaves atop slender petioles that resemble hostas. In midsummer, dense cone-like inflorescences appear partially concealed among the foliage, topped by vibrant pink or violet bracts cradling delicate true yellow flowers. As temperatures drop in autumn, the entire aboveground canopy dies back, allowing the rhizome to rest dormant through cool or dry months.
FloweringRhizomatousPerennial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
- Slugs
- Snails
- Caterpillars
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, deforestation, overcollection from wild populations
HabitatsTropical rainforest understories, shaded stream banks, moist cultivated gardens
Life spanPerennial (indefinite via clonal rhizome propagation)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderZingiberales
- FamilyZingiberaceae
- GenusCurcuma
- SpeciesCurcuma petiolata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observing blooms: Part the large basal leaves gently to view the colorful floral bracts hidden near the base.
- Seasonal timing: Look for active foliage and flowers from late spring through early autumn before winter dieback.
Close Relative (c) Manojk, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Ahoerstemeier (talk) (Uploads) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Family Member (c) Greg III Espera, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Greg III Espera · cc-by
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