Lower Risk

Hymenocallis caribaea (Caribbean Spider-Lily)

(Pancratium caribaeum)

Hymenocallis caribaea, or Caribbean spider-lily, is a perennial bulbous herb native to the Caribbean and northern South America. It is not known how long Caribbean spider-lily has been in the ornamental plant trade in Australia but is has naturalised in the NSW North Coast. It is also doubtfully naturalised in QLD. Caribbean spider-lily is reportedly also naturalised in Sri Lanka, Bermuda, French Guinea, Suriname and Guyana. The herb is not considered invasive in Australia or elsewhere globally. There is a low level of similarity in climate between the native range and Australia. Caribbean spider-lily is not known to displace other species, and is considered a low flammability plant. There is one report the plant can poison dogs if ingested. Caribbean spider-lily grows to 60cm with strappy green leaves. It produces white flowers with distinct long thin petals that produce a unique star shape, with a sweet fragrance.