Fire lily (2024)

On this page

  • Plant description
  • Plant uses
  • Did you know?
  • Where in the world?
  • Our work
  • More about this plant

Rising from the ashes afterfires, the fire lily creates vibrant red and pink displays across the Cape FoldMountains of South Africa.

Fire lilies form part of the fynbos, a biodiverse belt of heathland that runs through the Western and Eastern Cape.

A key part of the local ecosystem, fire lilies are exclusively pollinated by the Table Mountain pride butterfly (Aeropetes tulbaghia).

Sunbirds are sneaky companions to the fire lily;they pierce holes at the base of their flowers to eat the nectar withoutpollinatingthem, otherwise known as 'nectar robbing'.

Plant description

The fire lily grows from a bulb, producing nodding heads of large, orange-red flowers on stems that are up to 20cm tall. It flowers after wildfires in dry summer seasons, appearing within two weeks of a fire. After a week, the flowers are replaced by dry capsules of wind-dispersed, winged black seeds. The grassy leaves grow during the winter season, dying back as the habitat dries in summer.

Read the scientific profile on fire lily

Fire lily (1)

Plant uses

Cultural

Bulbs of plants from across the genus Cyrtanthus are used in traditional medicines for coughs, headaches and wound healing, as well as lovecharms.

Did you know?

  • Research into the fire lily found that exposure to smoke appeared to be the key element in triggering flowering.

  • The stem of the fire lily is hollow, meaning it is structurally strong while being quick to develop. This allows the flower to bloom very rapidly after fire.

  • Due to its reliance on fire to bloom, the fire lily is incredibly challenging to cultivate outside of its natural habitat.

  • The scientific name of the genus Cyrtanthus means 'curved flower', a reference to the nodding shape of the flowers in bloom.

Where in the world?

Fire lily (2)

Native: South Africa

Habitat:

Fire-prone fynbos shrubland, on south facing slopes.

Fire lily (3)

Fire lily

Native

Introduced

Extinct

Our work

Kew scientists have been working in the South African fynbos to understand more about the relationship between fire and seed germination.

In a 2021 study, Kew scientists worked with partners in South Africa and Australia to find40 species in the genusLeucadendronare dependent on wildfires to either release seeds from their cones, or to stimulate seeds to germinate.

Leucadendronis an ecologically important group of small trees and shrubsthatplay a major role in the ecology of the fynbos.

Worryingly, 51 species are threatened with extinction, so understanding their germination requirements is imperative to help inform restoration initiatives.

Researchers carried out germination tests inthe labsat theMillennium Seed Bank, which involved heating seeds to 80°C or exposing them to smoke.

Based on the results, the 40 species could be defined as ‘fire-independent’, ‘fire-enhanced’ or ‘fire-dependent’ based on their germination responses.

This research help will support the future conservation of these species in their native habitats in the Cape.

Fire lily (4)

More about this plant

Fire lily (2024)

FAQs

How toxic is flame lily? ›

Toxicity. This plant is poisonous, and toxic enough to cause human and animal fatalities if ingested. It has been used to commit murder, to achieve suicide, and to kill animals. Every part of the plant is poisonous, especially the tuberous rhizomes.

What does the fire lily symbolize? ›

It pulls itself up with small loops at the tips of the leaves, that hook the plant to a surface like a ladder. It's why these flowers represent ambition and success, making them the ideal gift for someone starting a new job or experiencing a new beginning.

Are fire lilies sun or shade plants? ›

Fire lilies prefer partially shady conditions, which makes them valuable as a houseplant. If you grow your plant indoors year-round, place it in a bright window. If you give your plant an outdoor location in the summer months, put it in a spot with dappled sunlight or morning sun.

Is a fire lily a true lily? ›

Origin and Names: The Gloriosa lily isn't a lily at all. It isn't even from the lily family. It belongs to the Colchicaceae family. You may have heard this called: gloriosa lily, glory lily, fire lily, flame lily, climbing lily, creeping lily, cat's claw or tiger's claw.

Are lilies poisonous to touch? ›

They include most bulbs, some tubers and a few corms and rhizomes. Returning to lilies, all plants in the lily family are dangerously toxic to people and pets — though, interestingly, most plants that gardeners call ''lilies'' belong to other plant families.

Is the flame lily rare? ›

Origin of Gloriosa Lily

Today, the plant is widely cultivated in many countries, including India, South Africa, and the United States, and is even grown in Melbourne. The gloriosa lily is a relatively rare plant and is not widely available in many parts of the world.

What do flame lilies smell like? ›

The orange-coloured fire lily (Lilium bulbiferum) is the most widely found species of wild lily in Europe. It is an exception among the many highly perfumed species of lily in that it does not give off any scent.

What are the interesting facts about fire lilies? ›

The fire lily grows from a bulb, producing nodding heads of large, orange-red flowers on stems that are up to 20cm tall. It flowers after wildfires in dry summer seasons, appearing within two weeks of a fire. After a week, the flowers are replaced by dry capsules of wind-dispersed, winged black seeds.

Why is the flame lily important? ›

It is commonly found in scrubland, forests, thickets and even sand dunes. Both the roots and the seeds are important pharmaceutical ingredients in indigenous Indian and African medicine. They have been part of therapies to treat or manage ailments such as cancer, gout, arthritis, leprosy and dyspepsia.

Are flame lilies invasive? ›

THE GLORIOSA LILY originated in tropical regions of Africa and tropical and temperate Asia, and now grows naturally in other parts of the world, like Southern Florida and Australia, where it is considered an invasive weed.

How tall does fire lily grow? ›

The fire lily is not a big plant by any means. Mature individuals can top out around 9 inches (250 mm) and for most of the year consist of a nothing more than a small cluster of narrow, linear leaves.

When to plant fire lilies? ›

Plant the tubers in rich, well-drained soil after the last frost (or start indoors earlier and move outside after last frost), placing them carefully (they are quite brittle) in a horizontal position, 2-4 inches deep.

Is fire lily poisonous? ›

While they are stunning to look at, they are very toxic and should be avoided in the home if you have pets. Fire lily poisoning in dogs is a result of dogs becoming poison by this plant known as Amaryllis. The fire lily contains a toxic crystalline alkaloid. Protect yourself and your pet.

What is the spiritual meaning of the flame lily? ›

By Kiersten Rankel. Jan 21, 2024•4 min read. Embrace the Flame Lily's transformative power, igniting gardens and uniting cultures with its fiery beauty. 🔥🌿 🌺 Symbolizes prosperity, joy, and rebirth across cultures.

Are lilies toxic to dogs? ›

You've probably heard by now that lilies are something you should be wary of around your pets, particularly your feline friends. Lilies, including Asiatic lilies and daylilies, can be toxic to both dogs and cats, however the effects are much more severe in cats.

Is fireball lily poisonous? ›

Football lily flowers, also known as Scadoxus Multiflorus, are grown for their allure and lovely beauty. Because planting this flowering plant using bulbs is simple, most people choose to do so. Scadoxus Multiflorus is also known as a poisonous plant because of its potentially hazardous and poisonous roots.

Are gloriosa lilies poisonous to the touch? ›

If ingested, all parts of the plant—leaves, petals, and particularly the tuberous roots—are poisonous to people and animals due to a high concentration of a toxin called colchicine. The plants are not dangerous to the touch but can be fatal if ingested in a large enough dose.

Are flame lilies edible? ›

Like other members of the Colchicaceae, all parts of this plant are poisonous, containing high levels of the toxic alkaloid colchicine but especially in the tubers. It can be fatal to humans and animals if enough is ingested.

How poisonous are lilies? ›

The entire lily plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase. Eating just a small amount of a leaf or flower petal, licking a few pollen grains off its fur while grooming, or drinking the water from the vase can cause your cat to develop fatal kidney failure in less than 3 days.

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