'L. nobilissimum' (Lilium)

"Tamoto-Yuri" from the Japanese Ryukyu Islands produces very fragrant, funnel shaped flowers that are purest white on the inside with green shading on the outside. Difficult to view in the wild as it mainly grows on steep cliffs, it is also difficult to maintain in the garden. Once often confused with Lilium alexandrae , Lilium nobilissimum produces bright yellow pollen. This species has produced some extraordinary hybrids, most notably, the pure white 'Taj Mahal', and the baby pink 'Maharaja'. Though considered about the same in difficulity as Lilium Rubellum, flowered here without problems, we have been unsuccessful with Lilium nobilissimum. Photo courtesy of Ed McRae.