The Camino Lily

 A little botanical enlightenment today as a add-on to the regular blogs. Most of us are familiar with the Calla Lily, seen outdoors in the warmer areas of the US as well as other parts of the world including here in Spain. Below are a couple of examples of Calla Lilies we have seen on our Camino hike:

While the Calla Lily is in frequently seen along the Camino, there exists another, more common lily. We see this particular lily every day along the Camino del Norte. We saw it even more frequently when we hiked the Camino Frances in the spring of 2019. It is often seen within feet or inches of the hiking path and even more frequently just feet off the trail behind shrubs, rocks, and trees. 

Years ago this lily was rarely seen but has become widespread and invasive in recent years. The lily has only recently been properly identified and given a scientific name. Early in the 21st century it was given the classification of Lilium caminonum wipeus and the common name of Camino Lily. Renowned American botanist, Blaisdell S. Smith was the first to identify and classify the Camino Lily.

The lily can grow as single flowers or can often be found growing in clusters. Here are a few photos of the lilies growing with both single flowers and clusters of flowers:

                    

The proliferation and invasive nature of these lilies appears to have coincided with the release of the movie “The Way”. Both concerned pilgrims and local officials have expressed concern, but to no avail. Each year the lilies become more noticeable. 

One possible explanation is the recent discovery that the English words “Flushable Wipes” are actually translated into all other languages as “Drop on Ground After Use”. 

Hopes for eradication of the Camino Lily are indeed bleak…