Lilium Catesb i

At the close of the year 1787, Mr. Robert Squibb, sent me from South Carolina roots of the Lily here figured, many of which have since flowered with various persons in this kingdom.Catesby in his Natural History of Carolina, gives a figure and short account of it, Walter in his Flora Caroliniana describes it under the name of Lilium Catesb?i, Mr. Salisbury in the first number of his very magnificent work, lately published, presents us with a very highly finished likeness of this lily, accompanied by a most accurate and minute description of it, and judging from some appearances in Catesbys figure, that it was not the Lilium Catesb?i of Walter, names it spectabile, but as we are assured by Mr. Squibb, who assisted his friend Walter in his publication, that it was the lily figured by Catesby, we have continued the name given in honour of that Naturalist.

Of the different Lilies cultivated in this country, this is to be numbered among the least, the whole plant when in bloom being frequently little more than a foot high, in its native soil it is described as growing to the height of two feet, the stalk is terminated by one upright flower, of the form and colour represented on the plate, we have observed it to vary considerably in the breadth of its petals, in their colour, and spots.