Wikimedia Commons
Colchicaceae
Malabar Glory Lily
Gloriosa superba
Glorious achievement and fiery ambition.
- Family
- Colchicaceae
- Genus
- Gloriosa
- Native to
- tropical Africa, South Asia, Malabar Coast
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- tuberous climbing perennial
- Height
- 100–300 cm (vine)
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- rich, moist, well-drained
- Water
- medium
- Hardiness
- 8–12
- Lifespan
- perennial; tuberous, dormant in winter
Did you know
- The reflexed petals curve backward like flames, making it one of the most dramatic flowers in the world.
- It climbs by means of tendril-tipped leaves that coil around supports — unusual among flowering plants.
- It is the national flower of Zimbabwe and the state flower of Tamil Nadu, India.
- Every part of the plant contains colchicine, making it highly toxic if ingested.
- The flowers change color as they age, shifting from green to yellow to orange to deep red over several days.
Color meanings
Red
fiery triumph
Yellow
golden achievement
Orange
passionate ambition