1. Why Red Spider Lilies Bloom Together: The Clone Theory
Red spider lilies along autumn paths often bloom at the same time and with similar stem heights. The public relations office of Nishio City in Aichi Prefecture explains that this uniformity exists because Japanese red spider lilies are clones that reproduce only via bulbs. [1] A clone is an individual with identical genetic information. As one bulb divides and multiplies, the new plants share the same characteristics. [1]
Furthermore, these lilies tend to spread around areas where humans have planted them, and they are rarely found in places untouched by people. [1] However, it is important to note that the genetic testing has been limited. We cannot say for certain that every red spider lily in Japan is from the same original plant. Still, the "clone theory" provides a convincing explanation for their synchronized blooming. [1] This leads to a new question: if they bloom so beautifully, why do they produce so few seeds?
2. How Three Sets of Chromosomes Make Seeds Difficult
Chromosomes carry genetic information. A normal (diploid) red spider lily has 22 chromosomes (11 pairs), while a triploid one has 33. Red spider lilies found in the wild in Japan are considered triploid. [2] Triploid plants have three sets of 11 types of chromosomes. This makes it difficult to create the cells needed for seeds (gametes) because the chromosomes cannot divide evenly. This results in high infertility. [3]
A study from Doshisha University explains that, theoretically, the rate at which cells capable of forming seeds are produced is 1 in 1,024 daughter cells. [3] This is a theoretical value regarding cell division, not a guarantee that 1 in 1,000 seeds will form. The same researchers note that it is not impossible for seeds to be produced. [3] So, what happens when those rare seeds actually grow?
3. Why a Rare Red Spider Lily Seed Takes Five Years to Bloom
Even in the wild in Japan, seeds are occasionally produced. A survey in Kanagawa Prefecture found that a very small number of flowers showed signs of fruiting, and some of the collected seeds germinated. [2] Two of these seeds were planted in 2009. These two seedlings first bloomed in September 2013, marking their fifth year of life. [4]
Observing their growth reveals a slow process. In the first year, they had 2 leaves and a bulb width of about 5 mm (0.2 inches). By the third year, they had 10 leaves and the bulb was about 21 mm (0.8 inches) wide. In the fourth year, the bulb divided. [4] The flower color was a slightly lighter vermilion than wild plants. Five years is a long time to wait for a flower. So, what does the red spider lily store in its bulbs to bloom every year?
4. Why Red Spider Lily Leaves Grow After the Flowers
The red spider lily produces long, thin leaves after the flowers fade. During winter, when few other plants are growing, these leaves absorb sunlight to store nutrients. By spring, when other plants become lush, the lily’s leaves wither. The plant remains dormant during the hot summer. Finally, it uses the stored nutrients to bloom in autumn. [1]
Because the flowers and leaves are never seen at the same time, the plant is called "Sōshika" (flower of mutual longing) on the Korean Peninsula, according to materials from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Kindai University. [7] Even though they rarely reproduce by seed, red spider lilies bloom every year by storing nutrients in their bulbs and spreading through bulb division. Their life is supported by this annual cycle. [1] This raises another question: where did these clones come from?
5. How Red Spider Lilies Likely Came From China as a Few Bulbs
A study in China examined 114 groups and 2,420 individuals. It found 52 groups were diploid, 58 were triploid, and 4 were mixed. Diploid plants reproduce sexually with seeds, while triploid plants reproduce clonally through bulb division. [5] It is believed that the triploid lilies in Japan and Korea were introduced from China. The estimate suggests that one or a few triploid bulbs were brought over, and then spread through vigorous asexual reproduction. [5]
Genetic comparisons support this theory. In 11 Japanese triploid lines and 4 Chinese triploid lines, the sequences of two examined genes were completely identical. The maternal ancestor of Japanese triploids is considered to be a specific diploid line in China. [6] Some sources suggest the lilies arrived around the time rice cultivation was introduced, but this is not confirmed. [1] If humans carried them, why are they so common around fields and graves?
6. Why Might People Have Planted Spider Lilies Near Fields and Graves?
Red spider lily bulbs contain alkaloids like lycorine and are known to be highly toxic. One theory for their abundance on rice paddy ridges and in cemeteries is that they were planted to deter moles and field mice from entering crops, and to protect buried bodies from animals. [7]
There is also a theory that during famines, people soaked the bulbs in water to remove the poison and ate them. [7] However, these are only theories; the original purpose of planting them is not certain. Because they are toxic, you must not eat them. [7] The plant has over 1,000 alternate names, including “Manjusaka,” names connected with ghosts or death, and “Fire Flower.” [7] The existence of so many names may suggest the flower was closely tied to human life. Humans planted them, divided the bulbs, and the clones spread. Yet, the exact reason for planting remains a subject of multiple theories, including deterring animals and eating detoxified bulbs.
7. Explore More: Finding Another Name for the Red Spider Lily
If you want to investigate further, try finding one alternate name for the red spider lily in an encyclopedia or local records. Seeing what place or lifestyle that name is connected to might reveal the background of its creation. [1] It is also recommended to check how common bulb plants in your area reproduce. Some spread by bulb division, some by seed, and some can do both. [1]
For reading materials, the "Kanagawa Natural History Papers" from the Kanagawa Museum of Natural History contain records of seed and seedling observations. [2][4] Please note that red spider lily bulbs are toxic, so wash your hands after touching them. [7] Are there other plants that spread widely despite being unable to produce seeds?