New Species of Japanese Lily Discovered After 110 Years

The newly identified Lilium pacificum expands the sukashiyuri group to eight taxons, showcasing unique evolutionary traits.

A team led by Dr. Seita Watanabe discovered Lilium pacificum, marking the first new species in the sukashiyuri group since 1914.
The species is found along the Pacific coast of Honshu, Japan, from Ibaraki Prefecture to Shizuoka Prefecture and the Izu Islands.
Lilium pacificum is noted for the distinctive claw-like curve at the tips of its leaves.
This discovery revises the previous classification of the sukashiyuri group from four to eight taxons, indicating a complex evolutionary history.
The research emphasizes the importance of morphological observation in understanding plant speciation and evolution.