Zephyranthes candida (Lindl.) Herb.

Rain lily (Zephyranthes candida) is a herb 15-25 cm tall of the Amaryllidaceae family, native to Mexico, Colombia, and Central America, named for blooming after the rainy season. This plant is popular as an ornamental and garden border. Rain lily is traditionally believed to relieve convulsions in children and help address insomnia.

Grows well in places up to elevations of 1,500 m above sea level. Prefers a slightly sandy or clayey soil texture with high organic matter and good drainage. Able to live well in full sunlight to shade.

• Root fibrous, white in color.
• Stem a pseudostem, has a layered bulb, diameter 2-4 cm, white slightly brownish.
• Leaves single, emerging in a basal rosette, without a petiole, line-shaped, 20-30 cm long, parallel venation, smooth surface, thick, green in color. Elongated shape resembling a leek leaf.
• Flowers single, trumpet-shaped, bisexual. Sepals thin, fused. Stamens numbering 6, yellow in color. Corolla separate, numbering 6 segments, yellowish-white in color.
• Fruit has 3 chambers, oblong shape, 0.5-1 cm long and green in color.
• Seeds numerous, flat, black, glossy.

Propagated generatively (seed), as well as vegetatively (bulb or offset separation).

Alkaloid (12-acetylplicamine, N-deformyl-secoplicamine, plicamine, 4a-epi-plicamine, secoplicamine, lycorine), β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, β-daucosterin, heptacosane.

Relieves convulsions in children, helps remove scars, insect bites, remedy for dizziness, addresses insomnia, reduces fever.

• Prepare fresh lily flowers. Wash using running water so remaining attached dirt is easily removed, drain.
• Dry in direct sunlight covered with a dark-colored cloth for several days.
• Once dry, store the simplisia in a closed container and well-ventilated room.

Bawang sebrang (Java), Bunga lili putih.