Israeli researchers have successfully managed, for the first time, to prepare the flowering of the rare white Madonna lily in time for Easter.
Michelle Zaccai, who led a team of horticulturists at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, was able to coax the bulb to flower two months earlier than its natural schedule, using modern agro-technical methods.
The research team has been growing the flower bulbs under special greenhouse conditions in order to speed up its flowering before the most important celebration in the Christian calendar.
Normally, the lily only blossoms from May to June, too late for Easter. Its unique white flower grows naturally in Israel where it is an endangered species.
Dr Zaccai explained that the early flowering of the Madonna lily gives it a considerable commercial opportunity. “The combination of Israel coming into flower in time for Easter and the significance of where the flower is grown, give it great marketing potential,” she said.
The research team plans to send the first bouquet of the early flowering lilies to the Vatican, where the news has already aroused excitement and interest.
Dr Zaccai added that Israeli flower growers are among the world’s most skilled and technically proficient farmers and take advantage of such new developments to establish niche markets. “The Madonna lily is a perfect example,” she said.
No comments yet