Lilium brunneum represents a newly discovered and described lily species with a limited distribution in isolated alpine regions of north-western Yunnan, China. The recognition of this new species as a distinct entity is supported by both morphological and molecular data. Furthermore, the investigation of this region, identified as a  'hotspot' due to its high diversity and endemicity within the genus Lilium, is anticipated to provide greater insight into the processes of speciation and the maintenance of species boundaries in this genus. Further fieldwork aimed at exploring these regions is expected to discover additional new species and therefore warrants special attention and resources.