Kaffir Lily (Clivia miniata)
March 6, 2008 — Vasant M. SalianKaffir Lily (Clivia miniata) is a species of Clivia, from South Africa. Kaffir lily is a clump forming perennial with dark green, strap shaped leaves which arise from a fleshy underground stem. It grows to a height of about 45 cm in the shade of trees and shrubs, and flowers are red or orange, with a faint, but very sweet perfume. The flowering heads of brilliant orange (rarely yellow), trumpet shaped flowers appear mainly in spring (August to November) but also sporadically at other times of the year. The deep green shiny leaves are a perfect foil for the masses of orange flowers.
Kaffir lily can be propagated by seed or by removing suckers. The fruits are bright orange when ripe (or golden in the case of the yellow flowered plants). All parts of Kaffir lily are somewhat poisonous and may cause mild upset stomach if ingested. Sap from the leaves or roots may irritate sensitive skin.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Liliopsida
Order : Asparagales
Family : Amaryllidaceae
Genus : Clivia
Species : Clivia miniata
Pronunciation/Meaning:
- Amaryllidaceae (am-uh-ril-id-AY-see-ay) - The Amaryllis family, named for a shepherdess in Greek mythology, means sparkling.
- Clivia (KLY-vee-uh) - Named for Lady Charlotte Flornetina Clive, 18th century Duchess of Northumberland.
- miniata (min-ee-AH-tuh) - Red coloured.
Common Names:
- Kaffir Lily, Bush Lily, Clivia Lily, St. John’s Lily, Boslelie, Fire Lily
Links:
Image Courtesy of Kate (k8tron).
