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【 UKEYURI 】
( Botanical name: Lilium alexandrae
)
The Ukeyuri is a lily that ranges only on
Amami-oshima and its
neighboring islands of Kakeromajima, Ukejima and
Yorojima. It
is designated as an endangered species. This
fragrant lily is said
to be one of the foundation stocks of
the Oriental hybrid lily
"Casablanca". Ukeyuri bulbs are a great favorite of wild
boars as well as people who won't stop collecting them. In Amami-oshima,
Ukeyuris are now so rare that you can see them bloom only on some cliffs in
Uken and Yamato villages.
I wonder if it is possible to reproduce its seedlings by applying
biotechnology and to propagate them in the wild. If Ukeyuris
are as commonplace as hibiscus flowers, people won't be so eager to collect
them.
Ukeyris usually bloom in late May, but the average temperature seems
to be a little lower than usual this May. So we
will be able to enjoy
the flowers all through June this
year.
Picture 1 A snapshot at a private yard in
Sumiyocho.
Picture 2 A snapshot at a private yard in
Sumiyocho.
Picture 3 Ukeyuris blooming on a cliff in
Yamato village.
Picture 4 Ukeyuris blooming on a cliff in
Yamato village.
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