Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Swamp lily (Crinum pedunculatum), 1790s

Swamp lily (Crinum pedunculatum), 1790s

Ducie Collection, National Library of Australia, Canberra; Purchased from the Ducie-Moreton Family, 2005; nla.pic-vn3579512

Watercolour

There are five species of Swamp lily native to Australia.
Swamp lilies are also known as River, Mangrove or Spider lilies.
The sap of Swamp lilies has been used as an antidote for marine stingers.
Swamp lilies are frequently found growing in swamps and mangroves along coastal Queensland and New South Wales.
The Swamp lily comes from the Greek word Crinon, meaning lily and Latin word Pedunculatus, referring to its long flower stalks.
Swamp lilies grow up to three metres tall and have delicate white flowers with a pleasant perfume.