Protected Sand Lilies Bloom on Hatay Coast, With Fines Nearing 700,000 Lira for Picking Them

Samandağ’s coastline has been covered with white sand lilies, an endangered endemic plant protected under conservation rules. Their flowers and fragrance have drawn both holidaymakers and photographers to the shore.

The sand lily is among the endemic plant species protected by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and picking one can bring a fine of 699,245 Turkish lira. The plants grow in coastal dunes and beaches, especially along Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean shores.

Cansel Baytar, a science teacher who volunteers to protect the lilies in Samandağ, said their bulb structure allows them to store nutrients and energy underground. That helps them survive for many years and bloom again when conditions are suitable. Their long, narrow, fleshy leaves also help them adapt to coastal environments.

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The best way to protect them is simply to photograph them and leave them in their natural environment.

Baytar warned that human activity in coastal areas and removing the plants from their natural habitat pose serious threats. “The best way to protect them is simply to photograph them and leave them in their natural environment,” she said, urging visitors not to pick the flowers, remove their bulbs or damage the areas where they grow.

Nature Amuk, who was walking along the coast, said seeing the sand lilies on such a beautiful shoreline brought happiness. “I take photographs and smell them, but I absolutely do not pick them,” Amuk said, calling them an important part of the natural habitats that need protection.

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I take photographs and smell them, but I absolutely do not pick them.