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Climbing Lily Wikimedia Commons
Colchicaceae

Climbing Lily

Gloriosa superba

Glory and honor.

Family
Colchicaceae
Genus
Gloriosa
Native to
Tropical Africa, Asia
Bloom season
Summer
Type
climbing perennial
Height
6-8 ft
Sunlight
full sun to part shade
Soil
rich, moist, well-drained
Water
moderate
Hardiness
8-12
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The flower petals curve backward dramatically, resembling flickering flames in red, orange, and yellow.
  • Gloriosa superba is the national flower of Zimbabwe and the state flower of Tamil Nadu, India.
  • All parts of the plant are highly toxic, containing colchicine, which is also found in autumn crocus.
  • The leaf tips form tendrils that allow the plant to climb by coiling around nearby supports.
  • Despite its toxicity, colchicine extracted from this plant is used in medicine to treat gout.

Color meanings

0

glory

1

honor

2

ambition

3

achievement

Uses

  • ornamental climber
  • medicinal compound source
  • cut flower