Lilium ledebourii “Susan -e Chelcheragh”

in Gilan province, north part of Iran

Liliaceae
This plant family of about 3,500 species, consists of mostly
perennial herbs. These herbs tend to have narrow, parallel-
veined leaves and underground storage organs such as
rhizomes, bulbs, corms, or tubers. The fruit types are
septicidal or loculicidal capsules, or berries. Some of the plants
that make up the Liliaceae family are evergreen succulents
such as Aloe and Haworthia, or vines such as Smilax.There are
many beneficial members in the Liliaceae family such as:
• onion, shallot, garlic, and chives (all Allium spp) - used
for food

• colchicine and red squill - medicinal

• day lily, tulip, and solomon's seal - ornamental

And there are some poisonious members such as: 1-stagger-
grass (Amianthemum) 2-lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria )3-Star-
of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) ……Lily species have
been a lso used as ornamental plants for centuries…
Habit and Habitats:
Habit is as perennial herbs from bulbs, corms or rhizomes and
rarley as vinesor shrubs. Leaves a re simple, often sessile and
variously arranged. Venation is usually parallel.
The Liliaceae is rather generally distributed in both temperate,
subtropical, and tropical regions. The classification of the
family is very complex, and different authors have widely
different views on what plants should be included in the
Liliaceae. In PB260, we take a broad view of the family. Natural
habitats of lilies are mostly on high altitudes, reaching up to
over 2000 meters from the sea level. Their adaptation to
extreme annual changes in temperature and humidity makes
them suitable garden plants in a large climatic area from
temperate to subarctic latitudes.
Most lily species have been used as ornamental plants for
centuries. Systematic breeding of lily cultivars, the number of
which exceeding nowadays to several thousands, started only
in the 1950's by Jan de Graaff. Though, the very first hybrids
originate from the 19th century. (Woodcock & Stearn 1950,
Jefferson-Brown & Howland 1995.) Today lilies are important
plants that are grown in gardens and cultivated for cut
flowers. In addition to a few traditionally grown species.
The genus of lilies
Genuine lilies belong to the Lilium family consisting of
approximately 100 species in the Eurasia and North American
continents . Most lily species originate from South-East Asia
(China, Korean peninsula and Japan). Another large group of
species comes from North America. The number of native
European and Caucasian (Eurasian) species is approximately
10. (Woodcock & Stearn 1950, Baranova 1990.)
Varieties:
There is a great deal of variation in the lilies; Many members
of the Liliaceae are herbaceous perennials, as in tulips and
daffodils; however some can be succulents or even trees.
Tulips (Tulipa) are typical members of the Liliaceae and are
beautiful in the spring.
Lilies are common garden plants in Northern Europe in
addition to a few traditionally grown species the diversity of
the lilies has increased along with the popularity also in
Scandinavia. However, the variety of lilies available in this area
is limited compared to that in Central Europe and North
America. Preliminary observations on the persistence of a
large scale of lily species in Northern Finland are promising
with regard to further breeding and developmental work. This
is the prerequisite for the production of hardy lilies of high
quality for the culture in the demanding climate.
Many members of the Liliaceae have underground structures
that enable the plants to be perennial. Onions and garlic are
bulbs; corms, rhizomes, and tubers are also found in the
Liliaceae
A common woodland wildflower is Polygonatum commutatum,
Solomon's Seal, which is about 3 feet tall.
The genus Narcissus is very commonly cultivated for the spring
flowers. In the genus Narcissus, the sepals and petals are
fused together, there is a "corona" produced at the flower
opening, which sometimes looks like a trumpet.

The organogenic structure of a lily

The main organs of an adult lily plant are basal roots, the bulb,
which is the underground part of the shoot, and the
inflorescence or the flowering shoot that emerges above the
ground and carries the flowers . The size and form of these
organs vary greatly within the genus. The bulb is always
without any protective tunic or coat, and the growth type is
sympodial. The bulb scales are morphologically specialized
leaves containing nutrient and water reservoirs. The apical
meristem produces the inflorescence whereas the axillary
meristems produce the side bulbs that continue the growth
after the main shoot perishes. (Woodcock & Stearn 1950,
Baranova 1990, McRae 1998.) The inflorescence bares the
leaves that lie either in whorls or are scattered along the stem.
The flowers are situated on top of the stem either individually,
in racemes or in umbels. The flower is the model of the
monocotyledon type of structure. It is symmetric consisting of
two whorls of petals, two whorls of anthers and a single
trilobed ovary. The flowers are large and showy, and they vary
in size and colour. (Woodcock & Stearn 1950, McRae 1998.)
The reproduction and structure of a lily:
a) A cross and longitudinal section of amature seed pod
containing seeds.
b) The vegetative shoot and inflorescense of lily; arrowspoint
to the adventitious or axillary buds (bulbils).
c) Epigeal germination, d) hypogeal germination.
Classification of lily species
Class Species
1. Martagon group:
LL. distichum, hansonii, martagon, medeoloides, tsingtauense
2. American group:
a) LL. bolander, columbianum, kelloggii, humboldtii,
rubescens, washingtonianum
b) LL. maritimum, nevadense, occidentale, pardalinum, parryi,
parvum, roezlii
c) LL. canadense, grayi, iridollae, michauxii, michiganense,
superbum
d) LL. catesbaei, philadelphicum
3. Candidum group:
LL. bulbiferum, candidum, carniolicum, chalcedonicum,
monadelphum, polyphyllum,
pomponium, pyrenaicum
4. Oriental group:
LL. auratum, brownii, japonicum, nobilissimum, rubellum,
speciosum
5. Asiatic group:
a) LL. davidii, duchartrei, henryi, lancifolium, lankongense,
leichtlinii, papilliferum
b) LL. amabile, callosum, cernuum, concolor, pumilum
c) LL. bakerianum, mackliniae, nepalense, ochraceum,
sempervivoideum, taliense, wardii
6. Trumpet group:
a) LL. leucanthum, regale, sargentiae, sulphureum
b) LL. formosanum, longiflorum, neilgherrense, philippinense,
wallichianum
7. Dauricum group:
LL. dauricum, maculatum

As mentioned at the beginning of this unit, some

members of the Liliaceae, in the broad interpretation
of the family, can be trees. This photo is of the
fascinating Dracaena draco, dragon tree, which is
native to the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Lilium ledebourii (Baker) Boiss.(Liliaceae)
Taxonavigation:
Superregnum: Eukarya
Regnum: Plantae
Divisio: Magnoliophyta
Classis: Liliopsida
Subclassis: Liliidae
Ordo: Liliales
Familia: Liliaceae
Subfamilia: Lilioideae
Genus: Lilium

… Locally named “Susan -e Chelcheragh” is a native and rare

species grown on the heights of Damash region (ca. 2100 m) in Gilan
province, north part of Iran.The microscopic and anatomical features
and the composition of oils of flower and corm of this unique plant
were studied. The microscopic study has shown the main
characteristic elements of leaf, stem, corm and flower of this plant.
The composition of essential oils of flower and corm were
determined by coupled GC-MS analysis. The yields of oils of flower
and corm were 0.71 % and 1.65 % (v/w) respectively. The major
components of flower’s oil were isopulegol (55.15 %), pentacosane
(18.1%), 3-methyltricosane (9.97%), tricosane (5.35%), 2-
methylpentacosane (4.35%), docosane (4.28%) and linalool oxide
(2.20%). The components of corm’s oil were almost fatty acids. No
aromatic volatile compound was found in the corm oil. Primary
qualitative phytochemical tests of stem, leaf, corm and flower
showed positive results for alkaloid and flavonoid (one plus) in stem
and for saponin (4 plus) in corm and (2 plus) in the flower. Tests for
tannin in all parts were negative. Further phytochemical and
botanical studies on this unique plant is of importance.

****In 1975 a British botanist (Ledebourii) discovered this

flower in northern provience of Iran called Gilan , Damash
village ,except this place lilium lederbourii is seen just in the
Republic of Azerbaijan (situated in north of Iran)and this
species is not seen in any other place around the world.
Lilium Lederbourii grows in July and the flowers have just 2 weeks
lifelong and cause of pendulous shape of them ,this flower is called
chelcheragh which means (Chandelier) ,they are in white color .
Flower stem up to 60-100 cm. Bulb ovate, 5-7 cm diam., with
many scales. Stem leaves lanceolate, up to 10-12 cm,
marginally pubescent. Flowers 1-5, white, tiariform, 4-6 cm
diam. Anthers bright scarlet. Flowers with fragrant. by bulb
scales and seed. Prefers sunny places with good drainage,
does not tolerate standing water. Extremely attractive. The
gem of the genus.
Lilium ledebourii [John Gilbert Baker= British botanist] [Pierre
Edmond Boissier= Taxon Authorities , Botanists] , locally
named “Susan–e–chelcheragh”, is an endangered rare species
endemic to Iran. This plant is growing natively on the heights
Caucasus (Talysh) and northern Iran. Mid mountain zone,
forest edges, grassy slopes at( 1,500-2,100 m )of “Damash” in
the Gilan province, north part of Iran and it is under careful
surveillance of regional Environmental Protec-tion Agency
(EPA).
It is a perennial plant with lanceolate yellowish scales and thick
stem, 50-150 cm high. Leaves are erect, linear-lanceolate 10-14× 1-2
cm, papillar on the nerves in lower surface and ciliate margined.
Flowers are white, large raceme with 2-15 flowered, pedicel up to 13
cm long which ascending, or spreading-reflexed. Bracts are
lanceolate, blue at summit. Flowering period is commonly in July.
Fruits are in capsule form 30-45 x 25-32 mm, erect and obovate
angular almost 6-angled .

Literature search showed that no investigation has so far been

carried out on the anatomy and phytochemistry of this species,
which is mostly due to the specific characteristics of this plant.
However, numerous reports were found on the phytochemistry of
other species of Lilium genus which were almost entirely related to
the bulbs of these species. Isolation of steroidal saponins , phenolic
glycosides , flavonoid alkaloid pyrroline–pyrrolidine alkaloids from
the bulbs and antho-cyannins from flowers of several cultivars for
certain species of Lilium genus have been reported.

Bibliography of the Iranian old medical and botanical books revealed

that what are used traditionally under the general name of “ Susan”
do not belong exactly to the Lilium genus, but are rather related to
the Iris genus .White susan (probably L. candidum ) is described in
the well known book of Avicenna, “ The Canon of Medicine” . The
bulbs, leaves and oil of the flower of this herb are considered to be
useful for burns, injuries, inflammation and uterus disorders.
The fresh and dried bulbs of L. candidum have been recently
suggested to be useful in gynecological disorders, ulcer, burns,
injuries and may be used as a diuretic. Furthermore, the bulbs of
several other Lilium species exhibited a wide spectrum of biological
activities .
The aim of this study was to carry out, may be for the first time, a
phytochemical and anatomical investigation on this rare plant in
order to enrich scientific information of this species.
Floral Features :
Actinomorphic (rarely zygomorphic) and perfect, often showy.
Inflorescence a solitary flower or flowers borne in cymes,
racemes,spikes or umbels. Hypogynous or epigynous with an
hypanthium sometimes present.

Floral formula
The flowers of Liliaceae have 3 sepals, 3 petals, 6 stamens,
and a syncarpous gynoecium of 3 carpels; the ovary can be
superior or inferior.In a few genera, the sepals and petals fuse
into a tube and the stamens are epipetalous .The sepals and
petals resemble each other in most members of the family.
Note the 6 stamens and the versatile anthers.
DISCUSSION:
Lilium ledebourii (Baker) Boiss is a rare endemic species grown on
the height of Damash in north part of Iran. The phythochemical tests
(Table 1) showed high quantity of saponins in corm and lower
concentration in flowers. Saponins have exhibited a wide spectrum
of biological activities , such as cholesterol lowering, interaction
with steroidal hormone metabolism, digestive difficulties and others
.
The components of the essential oil of flower showed seven
compounds. No aromatic compound was identified in the essential
oil of flower.
Isopulegol which consists about 55% of the essential oil of this plant
has been reported as a coolant agent with a minty and herbaceous
odor. The slight odor of flowers of this plant was approximately
similar to the odor of isopulegol . It might be of value to mention
that the highly purified (-)-isopulegol enantiomer, which imparts a
feeling of freshness and has been used in sensate mixtures is
odorless . Furthermore, (1R,2S,5R)-isopulegol and its carbonylated
products have shown significant bactericidal activities .
Pentacosane, the second major oil (18.01%) of flower of L. ledebourii
is a hydrocarbon, which isolated from other plants such as Valeriana
spp , Rosa species and from honey .
Analysis of corm’s oil did not show any aromatic or volatile essential
oil, but there were some fatty acids. Identification of fatty acids was
not in the scope of this investigation; hereby we just reported what
was presented by GC-MS.
Microscopic characters of this plant, which is given probably for the
first time, will enrich certainly the botanical information on this
species.
Theses information put forth the importance of further
phytochemical and botanical studies on this unique plant in spite of
limited distribution of this plant.

Elham Peirovi
Pune/ January 2007