Scientists study rare spider lily found in Alabama
Published: Monday, May 29, 2006 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, May 28, 2006 at 11:00 p.m.
Dormant for much of the year, the rocky shoals spider lily comes to life each spring with blooms that happen in only just a few places on the planet.
The rocky shoals spider lily is only found in Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama and is classified as a threatened species in those states. It's a candidate for the federal Endangered Species list.
The Augusta area is home to two primary populations of the rare plant that's popular with botanists: the Savannah River near the city's pumping station and a private tract along Stevens Creek in McCormick County, South Carolina.
"They're found only along the Fall Line, and then only in rocky shoals," said Donna Wear, an Augusta State University biology professor studying the two local colonies of the aquatic flower.
The plants bloom from mid-May to mid-July, with each lacy flower lasting only two or three days. They are believed to be pollinated by hawk moths, which fly at night and are attracted to white flowers along creeks and rivers. The river colonies appear to be having some trouble but the group of flowers along Stevens Creek is thriving, she said.
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