Diogenes'lantern

Description

Calochortus amabilis (syn. C. pulchellus var. amabilis) is a species of the genus Calochortus in the family Liliaceae. It is also known by the common names Diogenes' lantern, yellow globe-tulip, golden globe-tulip, yellow globe lily, golden fairy lantern,golden lily-bell, Chinese lantern,and short lily. The plant is endemic to northern California, from the east bay notably in Mount Diablo State Park and north of the San Francisco Bay Area. It grows in the Northern California Coast Ranges and Klamath Mountains, from 100 metres (330 ft)–1,000 metres (3,300 ft)–1,500 metres (4,900 ft) in altitude. It is a common member of the scrub and woodland flora, found on dry slopes in California oak woodland and chaparral habitats. Soil types vary, from the nearly solid serpentine rock to yellow clay. Natural habitat is quite wet, with 75 cm or more of rain per year, followed by a dry, hot summer. Winters are cool but not frigid (USDA zones 8-9). The growing season is from midwinter to the April–May-June flowering and seed set. The plant is dormant from mid-June to November. Common understory plant associates are Calochortus luteus, Clarkia unguiculata and Delphinium variegatum. Amabilis means 'pleasing', 'likeable', or 'lovely'. Calochortus is derived from Greek meaning 'beautiful grass', a reference to the characteristic grass-like foliage of the genus. The full name translates literally to 'lovable, beautiful grass'. The common name "Diogenes' Lantern" is a reference to the Greek philosopher Diogenes, who famously carried a lantern around in broad daylight, claiming he was "looking for a man" (implying that none of the beings he saw around him qualified; sometimes quoted as "looking for an honest man").