Gloriosa rothschildiana
This
species is native to tropical Africa. It does not have a bulb
but a large tuber. This tuber has only a single growth point at the
apex. In late spring when the weather is warmer and the days lengthen it
produces a thin, wiry twining stem which can grow up to 6ft tall.
Requires a trellis or stake to support the stem. The leaves terminate in a
tendril which helps the plant to attach itself to the support. Brilliant
scarlet and yellow flowers produced in early summer. Plant dies down in
early
autumn and tubers remain dormant underground.
Care
must be taken not to damage the growth eye at the apex of the tuber as a
tuber has only one growth point.
