Triteleia laxa   Triplet Lily I

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This plant was found in a barley field far from anyone growing such a plant in any garden or nursery. It was therefore very unlikely to be a throwout. It was found by J. Powell who consulted D. Jolly about the plant's identity. Sometimes strange plants are parts of the seed which farmers use for their crops.

It looked a little like a large flowered Agapanthus but not quite so it was sent to Eric Clements the national expert on plant aliens, for identification. It is a Californian plant known with several local names: Grass nut, Fool's onion, Starflower, Pretty Face but Stace in New Flora of the British Isles Edition 3 calls it Triplet Lily. This discovery was also a first record for this alien in the UK according to Mr Clements who keeps the records.

Since 2004, three other records, two in the London area (garden escapes?) and one on the Sefton coast have been identified. This plant which only lasted a week or two before someone dug it up, has not appeared on the BSBI map. Triteleia laxa has never been found (reported?) from Wales, Scotland or Ireland.

Triteleia laxa

Triteleia laxa Triplet Lily

Barley Field, Houghton's Lane, Near St Helens, 20th July 2004

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Triteleia laxa Triplet Lily

Barley Field, Houghton's Lane, Near St Helens, 20th July 2004

Added on February 5th 2005, updated 18th February 2012

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