Gloriosa superba (Glory Lily) is a perennial flowering plant that is native to tropical regions of African and Asia. Glory Lily is widely grown for the beautiful red and yellow flowers that bloom through Summer and Autumn. Though they are considered medicinal in some countries, but many parts of the plant is highly toxic and can be fatal to humans and animals if ingested.
Suitable for Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Also commonly known as Flame Lily, Tiger Claw, Fire Lily, Climbing Lily and Creeping Lily.
In Queensland and New South Wales, the Glory Lily is considered an invasive weed.
Warning: All parts of the Glory Lily are toxic to humans, cats, dogs, horses and other livestock animals. The tuberous rhizomes are potentially fatal and mistaken as yams or sweet potato. Please read the toxicity section of the Wikipedia page to determine if this plant is suitable prior to purchase.
Growth
Gloriosa superba is a climbing, tropical vine that can grow to heights of up to 4 metres (15 feet). Glory Lily is widely cultivated for their beautiful red and yellow flowers that resemble the shape of a tigers claw. It grows well in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
The Glory Lily has bright shiny green leaves, stalkless and are alternately arranged. They usually have short tendrils at the tips. In Summer and Autumn, flowers with six large petals (up to 8 cm long) adorn the plant in red or orange with yellow markings. The petals have wavy edges and turn back on themselves. Late in Autumn, the flowers turn into fleshy capsules with numerous round reddish seeds.
When temperatures fall below 10°C / 50°F so are commonly grown in pots in temperate climates (Melbourne).
Low germination rates are common with Glory Lily seeds with a rate of 20-30% being standard. A strike rate above 80% is possible. In commercial settings, soaking in chemicals improves the seeds’ ability to break through its shell before dying off.
FAMILY:
Colchicaceae
CLIMATE:
Warm Temperate – Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10°C to 38°C / 50 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist well draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full sun or part shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 4 metres (15 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metres (3 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees
MATURITY:
3-4 years
GERMINATION RATES:
25-45%
GERMINATION TIME:
4-5 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 2-3
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
EDIBLE:
No, extremely toxic.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge). Up to 2 years
FACTS ABOUT GLORIOSA SUPERBA (Glory Lily)
Different parts of the plant treat symptoms of earache, delayed childbirth, toothaches, asthma, malaria, gout, pimples, ringworm, colic, bruises, itching, snakebites, ulcers and smallpox. There are many other uses that include drinking a small amount to induce vomiting. We do not recommend using this plant for any of the above conditions as these are folklore medicine practices in countries where the Glory Lily is native.
