Flame lily belongs to the genus ‘gloriosa’ of the ‘Colchicaceae’ family. The plant is a climber belonging to the lily family, which bears attractive flowers, the petals of which bend backward in a unique manner. The petals are wavy at the edges. The flowers are of a red or orange colour with a yellow base and are bright yellow at the edges. The unusual arrangement of its stamens and pistils is often compared to a clock and its minute hand. The flower is a tepal where the sepals are of the same colour as the petals and look almost identical. The flowers blossom throughout summer and autumn.

This delicate deciduous perennial can 8 feet in height with the help of its coiling tendrils. The plant thrives well in a monsoon climate, in soils mixed with sand which must be well drained. The plant is available in the tropical countries of Asia and Africa. It requires bright sunlight but grows well in partial shades as well.

Its attractive flowers have made it a popular garden plant. The entire plant is poisonous and would prove fatal if consumed.