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The Red heart lily (Lycoris sanguinea) belongs to Liliaceae (the Lily family). It is a perennial herb that is native to Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu in Japan, as well as the Korean Peninsula. This herb grows in montane forests and forest edges, and it can reach 20-25 cm in height. The balbs are black and bear narcissus-like leaves from early spring to summer. They are blighted in late summer. The orange-red flowers bloom on the flowering stalks from August to September. The Japanese name is derived from its spatulate leaves, which resemble razor blades. The whole plant contains the alkaloid lycorine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps if accidentally ingested.
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