Lilium Ledebourii (persion: چلچراغ سوسن ( is a rare and beautiful plant that grows only in Damash of Gilan and a region in Azerbaijan country .This plant is from lily family ,and its height is between 50 cmand 150 cm.It is one of the native plants of Gilan province and the unique and spectacular species of Hyrcanian forests.
Due to their great antiquity, these forests include very rare plant and animal species in the whole world, which are the valuable natural heritage and treasures of Iran .The protection of them is essential.
One of the areas where Lilium ledebourii can be seen is Damash region in Gilan province .In this area ,this plant grows in certain months of the year and in a short period of time.
Also, in the recent years , there have been reports of the discovery of other habitats of Lilium ledebourii, including the 2000Tonekabon region , as well as, very limited areas in the two provinces of Mazandaran and Ardabil.
This flower was discovered in 1351 AH by Ledbury, a French professor. And it was the first Iranian flower that was registered in the list of national natural monuments of Iran in 1355AH. The scientific name of this flower derives from its discoverer name , and it is called Lilium Ledebourii .Picking or destroying this flower is illegal act. This beautiful flower blooms every year in late June, and this has led to the celebration of Susan Chelcheragh in Damash area of Gilan every year at that time. This area is now an environmental protected region.
This plant is an ascending ,multi-flowered plant which grows in the form of a chandelier with a downward facing flower head .The color of the flowers is white and more than 15 flowers appears on some specimens, While the number of flowers in this species is normally between 4 to 10 flowers. Lilium Ledebourii is a hardy herbaceous plant with oval and yellow flower bulbs, and it is 5-7 cm in diameter).
The leaves of this plant are upright and fine trichomes are clearly visible on the edges of these leaves .The flowers of this plant are regular and symmetrical.
This flower is one of the rare plant species in the world , and it dates back to the fourth geological period. It is genetically one of the natural rarities of the world.
In addition , Lilium Ledebourii has no tendency to reproduce .So it is the greatest threat to their species extinction and destruction.
The Flowering period of Lilium Ledebourii is only two to three weeks ,and this rare plant is under the protection of the Iranian rangers around the clock. To see this beautiful flower in late June, usually around 20 june, you must go to Damash area of Gilan and participate in the glorious celebration of Susan Chelcheragh held in that region.