Flame lily (species: Gloriosa superba) in Lizard Island area: all known taxa (Lizard Island Field Guide)
Lizard Island area: all known taxa > Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Liliales > Colchicaceae > Gloriosa > Gloriosa superba (gallery)
Gloriosa superba
Flame lily


©Anne Hoggett: Gloriosa superba at Lizard Island

©Anne Hoggett: Flame lily flower at Lizard Island

©Anne Hoggett: Flame lily flower at Lizard Island

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Kingdom Plantae
Division Tracheophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Liliales
Family Colchicaceae
Genus Gloriosa
Species Gloriosa superba

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Lizard Island Field Guide
Lizard Island area: all known taxa
Lizard Island area: introduced plants

Colours

              

Distinguishing features

A climbing herb up to 4 metres long with unmistakeable orange and yellow flowers and robust corms as shown. 

Size

  • Size data has not been obtained.

Synonyms

Comments

This species is native to Africa and Asia and is regarded as a weed in Australia. It was first recorded at Lizard Island in 1990 as a "garden escape" (Atlas of Living Australia, accessed 9 Aug 2014). It grows luxuriantly in a small area on the LIRS lease but does not seem to spread easily. It is toxic if eaten.

by Anne Hoggett

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Local abundance

  • Lizard Island: Abundant in limited area on LIRS lease, eradication is in progress (Oct 2014). Not known elsewhere on the island.

Local feral populations

  • Lizard Island:  Considered a weed, introduced but does not seem to have invaded very far (Oct 2014)

Web resources

References

  • Colvill, A., M. Ahmet, S. Clag and B. Haigh (2004). Lizard Island fauna and flora sampling report.Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. LIRS catalog number 10067.