Hymenocallis coronaria, also known
as the “Cahaba Lily” or shoals spider lily, is an emergent aquatic
plant that is indigenous only to the shoal areas of fairly broad and
free flowing streams. Rocky crevices in which lily seeds and bulbs
may lodge, keep the plants stable in the turbulent water. In
addition to swift flowing water, an open canopy is required,
providing full sun. The constant force of the water insures that no
sediment buildup occurs, restricting the oxygen supply to the roots.
Flowering commences in mid May and climaxes in late May and early
June. Each day a new flower on every plant opens, becoming available
to pollinators. Blooms open in the evening when they are at their
most fragrant and last only a day.
Once common across the south, this
magnificent and now rare plant is found in only a few remaining
places due to a declining habitat. Over the last 200 years, the
damming of rivers for navigation and power generation has destroyed
most of the specialized habitat areas, essential to the survival of
the spider lily. There are currently only about 50 populations that
are known to exist of this native plant: 30 in
Alabama, 10 in
Georgia
and 10 in South
Carolina. Now, the most critical influence
is an increase of sedimentation load from logging, mining and
construction along the river's edge. Poaching is also taking its’
toll. Proper conservation and maintenance of buffer zones is the
only hope for that which remains.
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