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The Lily That Became Endangered

The Lily That Became Endangered

A rare Himalayan lily is vanishing from the wild because of its popularity in traditional medicine. Collectors aggressively harvest these bulbs, pushing the plant toward extinction.

Known as Chuan-bei-mu, this lily is highly sought after for its supposed healing properties. The intense demand has led to a population crisis in its native Asian habitats. Because it takes so long to grow, the plant cannot keep pace with the pace of harvesting. It is now legally protected as a Class III species in China to prevent further loss.

Source: Fritillaria cirrhosa

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