Fauna
Flower

Hidden Lily

Curcuma petiolata

Also 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
Hidden Lily reference1 / 6
(c) Oleg Kosterin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Data DeficientConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXData Deficient — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (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)
Classification
  1. OrderZingiberales
  2. FamilyZingiberaceae
  3. GenusCurcuma
  4. SpeciesCurcuma petiolata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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