Apodolirion lanceolatum, previously scientifically known as Gethyllis lanceolata, received its specific name on account of the solitary lanceolate leaf that replenishes the underground bulb for another year’s flower.

Way back in 1776 the first description of the plant was done by Carl Thunberg, calling it Papiria lanceolata. The strong, sweet flower fragrance that lasts for up to three days does not feature in any of its names.

Apodolirion means stemless lily, a feature of the genus of almost stemless flowers (Duncan, et al, 2016).