Lycoris (genus) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Lycoris

Lycoris aurea
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Liliopsida
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Amaryllidaceae
Genus:	Lycoris Herb.
Species
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Lycoris is a group of beautiful flowering plants that are part of the Amaryllidaceae family. You might know them by their common names like hurricane lilies or cluster amaryllises. These plants are famous for their bright, showy flowers that often appear suddenly. They sometimes bloom after a heavy rain or hurricane, which is how they got their "hurricane lily" nickname! There are about 13 to 20 different kinds, or species, of Lycoris plants.

Where Do Lycoris Plants Grow?
What Do Lycoris Flowers Look Like?
How Do Lycoris Plants Grow?
Interesting Facts About Lycoris
Images for kids
See also

Where Do Lycoris Plants Grow?

Most Lycoris plants originally come from Asia. You can find them growing naturally in countries like China, Korea, Japan, and Nepal. They like to grow in places with warm, wet summers and cooler, dry winters. People also grow them in gardens all over the world because their flowers are so pretty.

What Do Lycoris Flowers Look Like?

Lycoris plants are known for their amazing flowers.

The flowers grow on tall, bare stems, usually before the leaves appear.
They come in many colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white.
Each flower has six petals that often curl back.
Long stamens (the parts that hold pollen) stick out from the center of the flower. This gives them a spidery look.
The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem, like a firework display.

One of the most famous types is the red spider lily (Lycoris radiata). It has bright red flowers with very long, thin stamens.

How Do Lycoris Plants Grow?

Lycoris plants grow from a bulb, which is like an underground storage organ.

In late summer or early autumn, the flower stems push up from the ground.
The flowers bloom quickly, often lasting only a week or two.
After the flowers fade, the leaves start to grow.
The leaves stay green through the winter and spring.
They then die back in the summer, and the plant rests until the next flowering season.

This unique way of growing, where flowers appear before the leaves, makes them special.

Lycoris squamigera is a pink species.

Interesting Facts About Lycoris

Cultural Importance: In Japan, the red spider lily (Lycoris radiata) is very important in culture and folklore. It is often linked to autumn and memories.
Toxicity: All parts of the Lycoris plant are poisonous if eaten. This helps protect them from animals.
Gardening: Because they are so striking, Lycoris plants are popular in gardens. They are easy to grow in the right climate. They add a burst of color when many other plants are finishing their bloom.