Flame Lily
Gloriosa superba
Family: Colchicaceae · Also called Gloriosa Lily, Glory Lily, Climbing Lily, Gloriosa virescens var. grandiflora, Gloriosa caerulea, Methonica virescens var. plantii
Green & Fresh · Summer bloomer
The flame lily is among the most spectacular of all flowering vines, reflexed petals in blazing red and yellow that curl backward like tongues of fire, with prominent stamens radiating outward. Each flower looks like a dancing flame, held on tendrils that allow the vine to climb through other vegetation toward the light.
glory, ambition, honor, fame
In the Victorian language of flowers, flame lily means “Glorious achievement and honor”. Zimbabwe's national flower and the state flower of Tamil Nadu, India. The name 'Gloriosa superba' means 'superb glory', one of the most dramatic names in botany. In Ayurvedic medicine, the tuber (extremely toxic) was used in minute doses for various ailments. It's extensively cultivated in India for colchicine extraction used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Did You Know?
Every part of the flame lily is highly toxic, it contains colchicine and gloriosine that can be fatal if ingested. Despite this, India cultivates thousands of acres specifically for pharmaceutical colchicine extraction. The plant climbs using modified leaf tips that act as tendrils, wrapping around any support. A single tuber can produce a vine 12 feet long in one season.
Forest margins, grasslands, and thickets in tropical regions from Africa to India
Flame Lily is native to Tropical Africa, South Asia. It naturally grows in forest margins, grasslands, and thickets in tropical regions from africa to india.
Scent Profile
“Barely scented, the spectacular visual display of recurved, flame-like petals does all the attracting. Primarily pollinated by large butterflies and sunbirds drawn to the vivid red and yellow coloring.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameGloriosa superba
- FamilyColchicaceae
- Native ToTropical Africa, South Asia
- Bloom SeasonSummer
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Zimbabwe's national flower and the state flower of Tamil Nadu, India. The name 'Gloriosa superba' means 'superb glory', one of the most dramatic names in botany. In Ayurvedic medicine, the tuber (extremely toxic) was used in minute doses for various ailments. It's extensively cultivated in India for colchicine extraction used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.