This week is National Wildflower Week.
Gloriosa superba is a plant grown as an ornamental in warm climates the world over, but in India and parts of Africa it occurs as a wildflower. It is a species of flowering plant in the family Colchicaceae. Common names include flame lily, climbing lily, creeping lily, glory lily, gloriosa lily, tiger claw, agnishikha and fire lily.
In Zimbabwe, it is their national flower, and it is the state flower of Tamil Nadu state in India.
The plant is toxic, but also medicinal, and has been used to treat many ailments. Be alert, however. Every part of the plant is poisonous, especially the tuberous rhizomes. It is toxic enough to cause human and animal fatalities!
It is best to enjoy the flowers with your eyes only.
This image is part of FAL’s Digital Images and Slides Collection (DISC), a collection of images digitized from secondary sources for use in teaching and learning. FAL does not own the original artworks represented in this collection, but you can find more information at HOLLIS Images.
Gloriosa superba (Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library, Thanjavur) circ. 1802 Place of production: Thanjavur, Tamil Nādu, India Watercolor on paper Indian/South Indian Repository: Sarasvati Mahal Library, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu, India) (inhabited place) HOLLIS Number : 8001550122
