Gloriosa Lily
- Common name(s): Gloriosa Lily, Glory Lily, Fire Lily, Flame Lily, Climbing Lily, Creeping Lily, Cat’s Claw or Tiger’s Claw
- Scientific Name: Gloriosa superba
- Family: COLCHICACEAE
- Origin: Tropical and southern Africa to Asia
- Description: a perennial, climbing plant with strikingly beautiful, wavy-edged flowers. The flowers have six tepals that are red and yellow, curling backward, giving them a flame-like appearance. The plant has slender, tendril-like leaf tips that help it climb. It grows from underground tubers and can reach heights of 3-4 meters if supported.
- Environment: Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils. Watering: Requires moderate watering, avoiding waterlogging. Temperature: Grows well in warm climates with temperatures between 68°F and 85°F. It is sensitive to frost. Support: Needs trellises or other supports to climb. The bright, nectar-rich flowers of Gloriosa superba attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and sometimes birds. These interactions help in the plant's pollination and contribute to the surrounding ecosystem.
- Additional Information: The plant is highly poisonous and can be fatal to humans and animals if enough is ingested. Used in traditional medicine in lower doses. It is the national flower of Zimbabwe. Considered a noxious weed in places like Australia, some Pacific islands, and some areas of the US.
- Location: E8
- In Memory of Barbara Bochiardy