After a long and magnificent flowering season, we’re now enjoying the fruit of the Gloriosa lily, Gloriosa superba. This sprawling vine has an odd distribution that includes both the Indian subcontinent, as well as Central and Southern Africa. There are many names in the genus, since through the years, taxonomists have named seemingly every variation. There are officially 11 recognized species of Gloriosa, with Gloriosa superba, a highly variable species, currently having a whopping eight synonyms.
This rambler reaches 8′ tall, so we have it planted against a board on board fence, which allows it to weave its way to the top via clinging tendrils, while flowering on both sides of the fence. For us, the amazing flowers are borne from mid-June to mid-September. Once the flowers are finished, you get to enjoy the fascinating show of pendent clusters of bright red seed.
Like all members of the colchicum (Colchicaceae) family, the plant is toxic if ingested. Like most poisonous plants, however, it is also medicinal if administered correctly. It has been used in regionally traditional medicine to treat everything from snakebites to infertility, and from hemorrhoids to leprosy. We’re good just enjoying the flowers and fruit however.
a delightful thing but makes itself a noxious weed in the tropics & subtropics of Australia.
That’s what I hear.