What does the Flame Lily look like?
Gloriosa superba is a climbing plant that scrambles through vegetation using tendril-like leaf tips. Its flowers are unlike almost anything else in the plant world — the six petals are strongly reflexed (curled backwards), displaying vivid red and yellow colouring and prominent, widely spreading stamens. The effect is of a flower turned inside out, almost flame-like in its upward sweep of colour.
Why is the Flame Lily the national flower of Ivory Coast?
The Flame Lily was chosen as a symbol of Côte d'Ivoire's rich tropical flora and its connection to the wider African botanical world. Gloriosa superba grows wild in the tropical forests and savannahs of West Africa, where it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is also the national flower of Zimbabwe.
Growing Flame Lily in the UK
Gloriosa superba can be grown in UK gardens as a tender summer climber. Plant the elongated tubers in spring, after the last frost, in a warm sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Plant horizontally about 10cm deep and provide canes or trellis for support. Lift and store tubers dry over winter. Important: all parts are highly toxic if ingested — keep away from children and pets.
Flor nacional de Costa de Marfil
La flor nacional de Costa de Marfil es el Lirio Llama (Gloriosa superba), una planta trepadora de origen tropical africano con flores extraordinarias de pétalos curvados en rojo y amarillo. Todas las partes de la planta son tóxicas si se ingieren.