The sea lily (Pancratium maritimum), also known as lily of Knossos, saffron, or crocus, is one of the most characteristic plants found on the beaches of Crete. Its fragrance is delightful, and its flowers are beautiful.

The sea lily is renowned worldwide as a symbol of beauty and purity. Its fame has spread to all corners of the globe, thanks in part to its depiction in the frescoes of the Minoan palaces. In these ancient frescoes, the flower is depicted alongside the Prince of Knossos in the Minoan villa of Amnissos.

This plant typically blankets the dunes of Crete from August to October, but in recent years, its population has dwindled, leading to its classification as an endangered species. The sea lily is characterised by its bulbous growth and a sturdy stem resembling that of a reed, which can reach a height of 40 cm. Its roots extend as deep as 1.5 metres into the ground. The flowers of this lily are noteworthy for their large, fragrant, white petals adorned with yellow anthers resting upon the stamens.

The blossoms of this lily unfurl in the evening, precisely when the night butterflies of the Agrius convolvuli species emerge to start their pollination work. It is a distinctive feature that these plants reproduce during this specific time of the year, coinciding with the appearance of these butterflies.

The plant's tiny black seeds are dispersed by the wind or through water, floating in the sea. These seeds have the ability to germinate on other beaches after a period of 5 years. Simultaneously, the plant can also be propagated through its bulbs.

Indeed, the sea lily has been recognised since ancient times for its medicinal properties. It is utilised as a tonic and possesses antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic properties.

Photo: Wikipedia