Cat's Claw

Gloriosa superba (glo-ree-OH-sah soo-PER-bah)

Family: Colchicaceae Non-native Vine (vertical)

Gloriosa lily is a slender, deciduous, herbaceous perennial, tuberous climber, native to tropical Africa, Southern Africa, and temperate and tropical Asia. It is found in tropical jungles, woodlands, grasslands, and dunes. The leaves are alternate or opposite, simple, strap-like, with a tendril-like tip. The flowers grow on long stalks and are 6-parted, red or orange with a yellow base and wavy margins. It is a member of the colchicum family (Colchicaceae). The genus name, Gloriosa , means "full of glory" or "glorious." The specific epithet, supberba , means superb. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained, rich soil. Needs protection from the hot sun and will benefit from afternoon shade. It is winter hardy in zones 8 to 12. In colder climates, it may be taken outdoors after the last frost. Gloriosa lily may also be used as a houseplant. It prefers moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights. The tubers should be positioned horizontally and about 2 to 3 inches deep. When planted deeper, the plant is more erect. A trellis is recommended for support; however, the stems can be easily damaged if handled too much during training. Gloriosa lily may be propagated by division of its tubers or by seed; however, seed germination may be difficult and erratic. The tubers are dormant over the winter, and new growth will emerge in late spring or early summer. If planted outdoors in a container, the tubers can be removed from the soil after flowering and before the first fall frost; however, they are very brittle and fragile. They also tend to rot in moist conditions over the winter. Gently lift the tubers from the soil and store them in damp peat moss in a cool, dry place for winter, and then replant in the spring. If ingested, all parts of the plant are toxic to cats, dogs, horses, livestock, and humans. Gloriosa lily is widely cultivated as an ornamental. Due to the hot, humid summers in North Carolina, it is best used as a houseplant or container plant on a porch or patio. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect pests or diseases. Monitor for aphids. May be susceptible to anthracnose and cucumber mosaic virus. Overwatering can result in root rot. Challenging to grow, requiring daytime temperatures in the 70s and 60s at night. All parts of this plant are poisonous, especially tubers (thickened roots), which resemble yams. This plant is highly toxic and may be fatal if eaten. It is considered a noxious weed in Australia, some Pacific Islands, and some parts of the United States. It is labeled as invasive in the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and Singapore.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 72 attributes.