68. Mariposa lily

Calochortus is a genus of bulbous plants. It includes 70 species of which 28 are endemic to California.

Mariposa lily is one of the most beautiful bulb plants in the world. It is native to California and the Pacific Northwest. Sandy soil and a lot of sunlight are required. They grow well even in deserts.

Mariposa lily is a bulbous plant. It has wedge shaped open petals. It produces one or more flowers on a stem that arises from the bulb.

Mariposa lily requires little or no care while growing. This plant blossoms in Spring or early summer. The bulbs go dormant in early summer and need no water at this time. Watering should begin again in fall.

Flowers can be white, yellow, pink, purple, bluish or streaked. The inner sides of the petals are hairy which is useful in distinguishing the species from one another.

Butterfly Mariposa is very beautiful with its large, upward-facing white or rose coloured blooms. A large patch of yellow and maroon is seen at the centre.

Yellow Mariposa has bright yellow blooms with fine red-brown lines on its lower portion. The centre has a central red-brown patch.

Desert Mariposa is native to desert regions California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico. This species has brilliant, red-orange flowers. Each of its three fan-shaped petals has a maroon patch at the base.

Clubhair Mariposa is another yellow-colored variety found growing along dry slopes.

Pussy’s Ears is native to the western coast of the U.S. with a delicate mauve color and flower petals filled with exquisite hairs.

Fairy Lantern has soft, downy petals which remain partly closed and hang down in the shape of a globe.

Visalakshi Ramani