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Mariposa lily Facts

Mariposa lily Facts
Mariposa lily is a flowering plant that belongs to the lily family. It originates from California and cannot be found anywhere else (endemic plant). Mariposa lily grows in the grasslands, woodlands (especially yellow pine forests) and mountains, on the altitude of 1.000 to 8.000 feet. It requires sandy, well-drained soil and plenty of sun for the successful growth and development. Habitat destruction (due to construction of the roads), introduction of new plant species, fire control, intense grazing and trampling are the greatest threats for the survival of mariposa lily in the wild. Luckily, population of mariposa lily is still large and stable (it is not on the list of endangered species).
Interesting Mariposa lily Facts:
Mariposa lily has erect, multi-branched stem that can reach 1 to 2 feet in height.
Mariposa lily (entire plant) develops from the underground, onion-like bulb.
Mariposa lily produces few, long, slender, green leaves with parallel veins.
Mariposa lily develops bell-shaped flowers arranged in loose clusters (of 1 to 6 flowers) on top of the flowering stem. Flowers are made of 3 petals that can be white, yellow, pink, red or purple colored. Inner side of petals is covered with yellow and maroon spots and long hairs. Mariposa lily can produce flowers of various colors on the same stem. Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers).
Mariposa lily blooms during the spring. Flowers are rich source of nectar which attracts insects, main pollinators of this plant.
Fruit of mariposa lily is capsule filled with seed.
Mariposa lily propagates via seed and division of offsets.
Mariposa lily starts to bloom 3 to 5 years after sowing (bulb requires few years to complete its development).
Mariposa lily tolerates wildfires. After destruction of the upper part of the plant (part of the plant above the ground), new mariposa lily quickly emerges from the underground bulb with more flowers than usual due to plenty of minerals in the soil and lack of competition.
Scientific name of mariposa lily is Calochortus venustus. "Calochortus" means "beautiful grass" in Greek, while "venustus" means "lovely" or "charming" in Latin. Name refers to attractive, grass-like morphology of leaves and beautiful overall appearance of the plant.
Mariposa lily is also known as "butterfly tulip" due to markings on the inner side of petals which resemble a butterfly (mariposa means "butterfly" in Spanish).
Underground bulbs and young flower buds of mariposa lily were important part of diet of several tribes of Native Americans. Flower buds were consumed fresh, bulbs both fresh and thermally processed (boiled, roasted or baked).
Native Americans also used mariposa lily in medical purposes.
Mariposa lily is often cultivated in rockeries, meadow gardens and pots.
Mariposa lily is perennial plant (life span: more than 2 years).


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