Gloriosa is a tropical or subtropical genus in the family Colchicaceae from Africa and India. They have tubers with long fingers. Gloriosas are summer-growers needing warm temperatures, but can be grown in greenhouses and dried off and kept warm in winter. They need support as they twine. Recent taxonomic changes by Vinnersten & Manning (2007) provided clear evidence that Littonia is very closely related to Gloriosa and thus had been sunk into Gloriosa.
Gloriosa modesta (syn. Littonia modesta) is a summer growing climber, to about 1 metre, from South Africa, flowering January in Tasmania, and 3 months later showing its amazing fruits. The first two photos by Rob Hamilton and the last by Bob Rutemoeller of the bright red seeds as the pods are splitting (on 1 cm. squares).
Photos by Brian Whyer, of old and new tubers at end of season, showing dominance of one leg in forming the next season's tuber, and of a very overcrowded pot of seedlings, taken 10/Oct/2004, showing Littonia is not always difficult to germinate. Nhu Nguyen also had good luck germinating seeds, given that they are sown in warm conditions. It takes about 3 weeks for seedlings to emerge.
Additional photos by Janos Agoston.
Gloriosa superba includes many forms previously known under species names including Gloriosa virescens and Gloriosa rothschildiana. Its gorgeous, colourful flowers in late summer make it exciting in the garden and in the vase. The flowers make long lasting corsages and come in shades and combinations of yellow, red and orange. This species can be grown in full sun, but partial shade is advisable in hot and dry districts. Drainage is very important to make sure they perform well for a good display. The first two photos by Bill Dijk show the variations in color. The third photo by Sheila Burrow shows the "glorious" detail of the individual flowers.
Photos from Cameron McMaster, Bob Rutemoeller, and Mary Sue Ittner show this species growing in habitat in the mouth of the Kei River in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
The pictures below from Mary Sue Ittner shows plants growing in her greenhouse in coastal Northern California (where they do much better than outside, perhaps because they prefer the warmer temperatures day and night in summer and the protection from wind) shows why they need space and support. The second photo is of one grown from seed with flowers that are a different color. The last photo shows tubers in April as they are just starting into growth. Tubers are arranged on a 1 cm. grid.
An extra frilly form with yellow & orange coloration. Grows as a perennial outdoors to zone 8b. Photos by Alani Davis.
