What are the traditional uses of Gloriosa superba?

Gloriosa superba has 43 documented traditional uses in the Verdica ethnobotanical reference database. This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA.

What phytochemicals are found in Gloriosa superba?

Gloriosa superba contains 25 documented phytochemical compounds in the Verdica database.

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Gloriosa superba

Glory Lily

Family: Liliaceae • Genus: Gloriosa • Region: Australia, Botswana, Cambodia, Eswatini, Indonesia (Sulawesi (south), Jawa, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Laos, Lesser Sunda Islands) AFRICA: Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa (Cape Province, Sri Lanka, Sudan, TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Yunnan Sheng (south)) TROPICAL ASIA: India, Tanzania, Thailand, Transvaal), Uganda, United States, Vietnam

Summary: Gloriosa superba (Glory Lily) is a plant in the Liliaceae family. Verdica documents 43 traditional uses, 25 phytochemical compounds, and 0 herb-drug interactions for this species.

⚠ Toxicity Warning: This species has documented toxicity concerns. Do not consume without expert guidance.

Traditional Uses

Phytochemicals

Herb-Drug Interactions

Edibility Records

Pet Toxicity Records

About Gloriosa superba

Gloriosa superba or commonly known as Climbing Lily, Flame lily, Creeping Lily, Glory Lily, Gloriosa Lily, Tiger Claw, and Fire Lily, is a perennial herb growing from a fleshy rhizome. It is scandent using tendrils. The stem reaches 4 m long. The leaves are arranged alternately or opposite. The flowers are brightly red to orange in color, with yellowish bases. Climbing lily is poisonous, especially its tuberous rhizome, due to its high content of a toxic alkaloid called colchicine. However, the plant has long been used in traditional medicine particularly for gout, open wounds, infertility, sprains, cancer, smallpox, sexually transmitted diseases, leprosy, kidney problems, etc. It is also used as a laxative and an alexiteric. In Nigeria, the plant is used in arrow poison.

Care Information

Sunlight	Full sun
Watering	Moderate — keep soil moist
Soil	Well-drained, acidic
Hardiness Zone	USDA 8-12

Explore the full profile of Gloriosa superba in the Verdica app — including detailed traditional uses, phytochemical data, care guides, and more.

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Disclaimer: The statements on this page regarding traditional uses of plants have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Traditional use information is presented for educational and historical reference purposes only, reflecting documented ethnobotanical practices. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal preparation, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any medical condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 (US) or your local emergency number immediately.

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