Biological Name
The biological name of this flower is Gloriosa superba.
Colour
The flowers range in color from orange to greenish-yellow. Sometimes, they are even red or pinkish-red.
Petals
The petals are shaped like a Turk’s cap.
Origin
The flower is native to India and Africa.
National Flower of Zimbabwe:
Gloriosa is the genus of flowers that represent the floral emblem of Zimbabwe. These flowers belong to the family Colchicine. In the genus, there are 12 different species. The common names for this flower are a superb lily, fire lily, and glory lily.
Gloriosa Information:
The National flower has a horizontal rhizome as a stem and the leaves are attached spirally on the plant. The flowers are hermaphrodites and they have grown on long peduncles. Tendrils are present on the tips of the leaves and they help the plant climb. In Australia, the plant is considered a weed. It grows on the dunes and provides competition for food for the native species. It also kills animals and birds when they ingest it.
Gloriosa Facts and Uses:
- Normally, the plant grows with the help of seeds. However, it can also grow through tubers.
- The plant is toxic as it contains colchicine. A higher dosage of this plant is lethal and that is why the plant is used for committing suicide by many people.
- Along with being the national flower of Zimbabwe, Gloriosa is also the national flower of Tamil Nadu which is a state in India.
Gloriosa Medicine Uses:
The plant is used in the treatment of gout and rheumatism. This is due to the presence of colchicine in all parts of the plant.
Gloriosa Flower Art:
The flower is not used for art or decoration purposes. It is harmful when ingested so it is not made part of celebratory festivals or occasions.
