Gloriosa superba flower

    Gloriosa superba flower

    The flowers of Gloriosa superba nod from long pedicels. The perianth segments are free, curving back to form a rounded shape behind the flower base. The six segments taper at both ends, their margins wavy or crinkly in their mid-sections where the flower in picture shows yellow on the outer surfaces of the otherwise red segments. Yellow flowers are also common.

    The six stamens spread in positions where other lilies might have tepals. The oblong, yellow-brown anthers are suspended on the filament tips from their midpoints. 

    Flowering happens from late spring to early autumn (Manning, 2009; www.plantzafrica.com).