Flame Lily ( Gloriosa superba )
Botanical Classification :
Gloriosa superba , commonly known as Flame Lily or Glory Lily , is part of the Colchicaceae family , which is known for its tuberous perennials with showy efflorescence .
The Flame Lily has a rich history across various culture . In Africa , peculiarly in Zimbabwe , it ’s the home flower and holds important cultural symbolism . In India , it ’s known for its economic consumption in traditional medicine ( Ayurveda ) , where different parts of the plant have been used for centuries , though with caution due to its toxicity .
The name “ superba ” reflects the industrial plant ’s splendid show , and “ Flame Lily ” depict its fiery , ruby-red and yellow blooms . It has been recognized globally for both its aesthetic time value and its likely aesculapian uses , but also its risk due to the presence of colchicine , a toxic alkaloid .
earlier from tropic Africa and Asia , Gloriosa superba has been transported and cultivated around the world for its ornamental beauty . However , it ’s also become naturalized in other regions , sometimes considered invasive due to its ability to distribute via seeds and tubers .
Flame Lily is suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 8 - 11 . In these zones , it can be grow outdoors where it benefits from the warm , frost - devoid conditions that mimic its native tropic and subtropic environments .
In area cool than Zone 8 , Gloriosa superba is typically arise as an annual or in containers that can be brought indoors during winter , as it ’s sensitive to Robert Frost and cold .
Native to much of tropic and southerly Africa , extending into Asia from India to Southeast Asia , Gloriosa superba grows in various habitats including forests , savannas , grasslands , and along coastal dunes , where it can climb or scramble over other flora . Due to its ornamental time value , Flame Lily has been cultivated in many state with suitable climates for growing alien plants . It ’s popular in botanic garden and collectors ’ garden where its vibrant blooms can be showcased .
In regions where it ’s not native , like constituent of Australia and some Pacific islands , Gloriosa superba has established itself outside of cultivation , becoming invasive . Its power to grow from tubers and seeds , combined with its mounting nature , permit it to spread rapidly in lucky conditions . The plant shows adaptability to different soil type , offer they are well - draining , and it prefers full sunshine to partial shade . Its mounting substance abuse make it versatile in landscape intent where perpendicular interest is desired .
