Gloriosa superba is a well known ornamental plant widely cultivated in Indian houses. The plant belongs to family Liliaceae and commonly called as Glory Lily. It is a native to tropical Africa and tropical Asia. It is a tuberous climbing plant with attractive red flowers with striking wavy yellow margins. It flowers from November to March every year. The plant is toxic in nature and can harm animal life if used in very large quantity, all parts of the plant being poisonous.
Habitat: A native of tropical Asia and Africa, it is found through out India (from the Himalayas to the Deccan ) . It is found throughout Western Ghats, Madagascar Islands and Srilanka.
Morphology: The wines of the plant are tall, though weak stemmed, with tuberous roots. The tips of the leaves are spirally twisted and forms the tendril to climb other plants and elevated objects. Leaves are lanceolate and acuminate. Flowers are large and solitary. Six refxed petals are seen in each flower. The petals hang down during initial stages and become erect when mature. The ovary is exposed and the flower produces five long stamens.
Components: Colchicines and gloriosines.
Uses:
1. The poisonous nature of the plant has given a notorious reputation for the plant as it is widely used for suicid purpose. It causes vomiting and stomach ache.
2. It is used as ornamental plants.
3. Every part of Gloriosa is used for medicinal purposes.
4. It is used in Ayurveda for ulcers, laxative, abortifacient and leprosy infection.
5. It is also used in piles.
6. Tubers have anti-fertility effect.
No comments:
Post a Comment