Glory Lily (Gloriosa superba)

22/07/2012

Gloriosa superba L. 1753, commonly called Glory Lily, Gloriosa Lily, Lily Vine, Climbing Lily, Flame Lily or Rothschild`s Lily, is a tropical vine, native to Africa, through Asia as far as Australia.


The seasonnal dormant Glory Lily can reach, with the help of a climbing support, heights up to about 3 meters, but there are reports, that the tropical climber seems to be very choosy about the support medium and seems to prefer “natural support” like shrubs or small trees. Another curiosity about the flame lily is, that some plants may react very sensible to the touch of human hands and stop growth for a longer period. The Glory Lily (Gloriosa superba) requires full sun and during the growth season regularly watering. As Gloriosa superba belongs to the order Liliales and to the Colchicaceae family all parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are highly toxic to humans and life stock, if ingested. It`s highly recommended to wear Latex gloves whilst handling Gloriosa Lilies. In tropical climates the rhizomatous plant goes dormant with beginning of the cold season. It will come back to life in spring and blooms during the hot season. The showy flowers are long-lasting and also suitable as cut-flowers for floral decorations and exotic flower bouquets.


Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Glory Lily (Gloriosa superba)

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