Forest lily

Biology

The forest lily is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to one metre in height. Its long leaves are dark green, smooth and leathery. By the end of spring the flowers begin to bloom in arrangements similar to bouquets. Their colour can vary between red, orange and yellow and sometimes with a faint but very sweet perfume. They grow a berry-like fruit. All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested in large quantities.

Conservation

In some places this species is threatened due to harvesting for medicinal purposes, horticultural trades, as well as deforestation, habitat loss and urban development.

Curiosities

The name Clivia is a tribute to the Duchess of Northumberland, Lady Charlotte Clive, who first cultivated this specimen in England. The name miniata comes from the red lead colour of the flowers.