Hymenocallis species: Spider lily

Family

Liliaceae

Common Name

Spider lily, crown beauty, sea daffodil, sacred lily of the Incas, Peruvian daffodil, basket flower, filmy lily.

Plant Description

Consisting of about 40 species, related to the Amaryllis species, the Hymenocallis species are native to Central and South America, preferring areas that do not freeze. Ever green or deciduous, the strap-like leaves arise from bulbs, followed by the scented, showy, white flowers that resemble a daffodil except for the long slender petals surrounding the inner corona formed by the fused bases of the long anther filaments (Fig. 210 and Fig. 211).

A similar genus, Nerine, consisting of 30 species of South African lilies with red, pink or white, narrow petals are popular garden plants in some tropical and subtropical areas. These "spider" lilies (Guernsey lily) also do well as a potted plants indoors.

Figure 210. Hymenocallis narcissiflora.

Figure 211. Hymenocallis narcissiflora (Peruvian daffodil).

The genus Leucojum (Snowdrop) (Figure 212), with 10 species from North Africa and the Mediterranean area, is a bulbous lily with pendant, white, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers, and strap-like leaves. This species is similar in toxicity to Hymenocallis species.

Figure 212. Leucojum vernum.

Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action

Several phenanthridine alkaloids including lycorine, and tazettine have been identified in the leaves, stems, and bulbs of Hymenocallis and Nerine species [1-3]. The phenanthridine alkaloids are present in many of the Liliaceae, most notably in the Narcissus group. The alkaloids have emetic, hypotensive, and respiratory depressant effects, and cause excessive salivation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Calcium oxalate raphides in the leaves and steams may also contribute to the digestive symptoms.

Risk Assessment

This attractive garden plant and occasionally potted houseplant has rarely caused poisoning in animals, but it has the potential to do so.

Clinical Signs

Vomiting, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and difficulty in breathing, are associated with the phenanthridine alkaloids present in the lily family. If large quantities of the leaves and bulb are consumed, depression, ataxia, seizures, and hypotension may develop. Poisoning is rarely fatal and can generally be treated symptomatically.