Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Asphodelaceae (Asphodel)
Maximum Size:
60 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Cliffs, gardens, heathland, sand dunes, seaside.
Kerry Lily produces delicate, star-shaped flowers about 2 cm across, each with six narrow white tepals that are slightly reflexed (curved backward). The most distinctive feature is the presence of bright yellow anthers at the centre, offering a striking contrast against the pure white petals. Flowers appear individually or in loose clusters (1–3 per stalk) on slender, wiry stems from May to July. The plant has an airy, graceful appearance and is often overlooked due to its small size, despite the striking beauty of each bloom.
Fruit:
The fruit of Simethis mattiazzii is a small, dry capsule that splits open at maturity to release a few shiny black seeds. These are usually ripe by late summer, and the seeds are dispersed by gravity and surface runoff, sometimes helped along by small animals or insects. The capsules are not especially prominent or showy, but can be found among the fading flower stems after blooming has finished.
Leaves:
The leaves are narrow, grass-like, and arise in a basal rosette. Each leaf is typically 10–25 cm long, very slender (1–3 mm wide), and has a slightly leathery texture. They are a deep green and often have a subtle bluish hue. The leaves are entire and linear, somewhat stiff, and bend gracefully, forming a low tuft that resembles those of rushes or sedges, helping the plant blend into its coastal heath or dune surroundings.
Fragrance:
The flowers of the Kerry Lily are usually unscented, although some observers report a faintly sweet, grassy scent under warm, sunny conditions. The fragrance is subtle and not detectable at a distance. The plant relies more on visual cues (its white flowers and yellow anthers) to attract pollinators like small solitary bees or hoverflies.
Other Names:
Irish Lily, Killarney Fern, Mattiazzi's Simethis.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen
Summary
Simethis mattiazzi is a plant species in the Lamiaceae family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, which is commonly known as Mattiazzi's simethis. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region, and it is considered to be a rare and threatened species. It can be found on rocky or stony slopes and on limestone cliffs, growing in full sun. The flowers of this plant are blue-purple and are arranged in spikes. The leaves are also lanceolate, and they are dark green in color. This plant is not widely cultivated, but it is grown by some botanical gardens and specialist plant growers.
Blog
The Kerry Lily, also known as the Irish Lily or the Killarney Fern, is a rare and beautiful plant native to Ireland. This striking plant is a member of the lily family and is characterized by its long, narrow leaves that are arranged in a distinctive spiral pattern. The Kerry Lily is a protected species in Ireland and is considered to be one of the most important plants in the country's natural heritage.
The Kerry Lily is named after the county of Kerry in southwestern Ireland, where it is primarily found. It grows in wet, acidic soils in areas with high rainfall, such as boglands and wet meadows. The plant can also be found in other parts of Ireland, as well as in a few other countries, such as Scotland and Iceland.
The Kerry Lily is an evergreen plant that typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches). It produces tall, upright stems that are topped with clusters of delicate, star-shaped flowers. The flowers range in color from pale pink to deep rose, and they bloom from May to August.
The Kerry Lily is a slow-growing plant that can take up to seven years to reach maturity. It is also a long-lived plant, with some individuals living for over 50 years. Because of its slow growth and long lifespan, the Kerry Lily is highly susceptible to habitat loss and other threats, such as overgrazing, drainage, and peat cutting.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Kerry Lily and its habitat. In Ireland, the plant is listed as a protected species under the Wildlife Acts and the Flora (Protection) Order. In addition, several conservation organizations, such as the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, are working to restore and protect the plant's habitat.
The Kerry Lily is not only important for its ecological and cultural value but also for its potential medicinal properties. The plant has been used for centuries in traditional Irish medicine to treat a range of ailments, including fever, rheumatism, and asthma. Recent research has also shown that extracts from the Kerry Lily may have antimicrobial and anticancer properties.
The Kerry Lily is a rare and beautiful plant that is an important part of Ireland's natural heritage. Its unique spiral arrangement of leaves and delicate flowers make it a striking addition to any garden, while its potential medicinal properties make it a valuable resource for scientific research. However, the Kerry Lily is also highly threatened, and it is essential that we take steps to protect this precious plant and its habitat.
The Kerry Lily has been an important symbol of Irish culture for centuries. It is often associated with the legend of Saint Patrick, who is said to have used the plant to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish people. The three leaves of the Kerry Lily were said to represent the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, while the single stem symbolized the unity of the Trinity.
The Kerry Lily has also been used in traditional Irish folk medicine for generations. It was believed to have a range of healing properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic effects. The plant was often used to treat wounds, burns, and other injuries, as well as respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis.
Today, the Kerry Lily is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks around the world. Its attractive foliage and delicate flowers make it a favorite among gardeners, while its historical and cultural significance continue to capture the imagination of people everywhere.
Despite its protected status and ongoing conservation efforts, the Kerry Lily remains a threatened species. Loss of habitat, climate change, and invasive species are all major threats to the survival of this iconic plant.
The Kerry Lily is also an important indicator species for the health of peatlands, which are wetland ecosystems that store large amounts of carbon and support a diverse range of plant and animal species. Peatlands are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world, with over 80% of peatlands in Ireland and other parts of Europe having been lost or degraded due to human activities.
The Kerry Lily is a key species in these peatland ecosystems, playing a vital role in maintaining their ecological integrity and functioning. The plant's deep root system helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, while its leaves and stems provide habitat and food for a variety of insects and other small animals.
Protecting the Kerry Lily and its habitat is not only important for the survival of this iconic plant but also for the health and wellbeing of peatlands and the ecosystem services they provide. These include carbon sequestration, water regulation, and biodiversity conservation, all of which are essential for human wellbeing and sustainable development.
In addition to its ecological and cultural significance, the Kerry Lily also has potential economic value. The plant's unique foliage and delicate flowers have made it a popular ornamental plant for use in floral arrangements and landscaping. The Kerry Lily could therefore represent a valuable source of income for local communities in areas where it is found, such as the county of Kerry.
In conclusion, the Kerry Lily is a rare and beautiful plant that plays a vital role in Ireland's natural heritage and the health of peatland ecosystems. Protecting the Kerry Lily and its habitat is essential for maintaining the ecological integrity and functioning of these ecosystems, as well as for ensuring the cultural and economic value of this iconic plant for future generations. It is up to all of us to work together to conserve and protect this precious species and the habitats it depends on.
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