They flowers may look pretty, but the Formosa Lily, also known as the Taiwan Lily, is rapidly becoming a naturalised weed infesting roadsides, disturbed areas, wastelands and even bushland in the region.
The lily is a deciduous perennial herb with annual flowering stalks from one to two metres high.
The large trumpet shaped highly fragrant flowers are pure white on the inside, with pink or purple/brown stripes on the outside bearing prominent yellow anthers, blooming in summer.
The weed’s papery winged seeds borne in a large capsule are spread easily vi water, wind, contaminated soil and garden refuse.
The plant is difficult to control and requires hand pulling and digging of the garlic-like root bulb.
The weeds should be bag and placed in a rubbish bin.
