Crinum flaccidum aka Darling Lily

Crinum flaccidum is a bulbous plant in the amaryllis family. Its common names include Murray lily, Macquarie lily and Darling lily. It comes from Australia, though sources differ on its range. Kew lists eastern South Australia as its native range. Useful Tropical Plants gives a broader range across all mainland states. It grows on sandy river flats that flood at times.

The plant forms clumps of leaves from underground bulbs. The leaves spread from the base and have a spear-like shape. They reach about 1–2.6 feet [0.3–0.8 metres] long. Flower stems range from 0.3–2.5 feet [0.1–0.75 metres] tall. Both plant-use sources give an overall height near 2 feet [0.6 metres]. Plants For A Future records flowering in July. The flowers have both male and female organs, and insects pollinate them. The supplied species accounts give no fruit details.

A warm, sheltered site suits this plant best. It grows in warm temperate and subtropical parts of Australia. Its range also reaches the tropics. Give it rich soil that drains well but stays moist. Sandy soil and loam both suit it. It accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soil. Sources agree on a sunny site, though Useful Tropical Plants also allows partial shade. A bed beside a south-facing or west-facing wall is one suggested setting.

Cold limits its use outdoors in Britain. Plants in active growth can stand only very light frost. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 9–11. It advises winter cover even in the mildest British areas. Plant large bulbs deeply, and avoid moving them without need. Disturbed bulbs may take several years to settle. Once settled, they can make offsets fast and form dense clumps. Crowding can help them flower well.

Fresh ripe seed offers one way to raise new plants. Sow it on the surface in separate pots under glass. Keep young plants in a greenhouse for at least two years. Offsets provide another way to grow more plants. The sources report local wild gathering of the bulbs for food. They describe the cooked root as starchy and a source of arrowroot. Both plant-use accounts list no known hazards, but that does not prove safety. Plants For A Future records no medicinal or other uses. The supplied evidence gives no species-specific pest or disease account.