Gloriosa Lily

 

1. Botanical Name: Gloriosa superba. 2. Family: Liliaceae. 3. Other Names: Flame Lily, Climbing Lily, Glory Lily, Fire Lily, Superb Lily, Malabar Glory Lily, among others. 4. Type: Climbing tuberous plant, also known as Flame Lily. 5. Chemical Components: Contains Colchicines and Superbine. 6. Plant Habitat: Thrives in regions with tropical climate. Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Grows best in moderate sunlight. Indigenous to India, it also grows in other Asian, African, Indo-Pacific, and American countries. Commercially cultivated in approximately 2000 hectares in India, mainly in districts such as Salem, Karur, Theni, Erode, Thanjavur, and Nagai. Approximately 1000 hectares are under cultivation in Tamil Nadu alone. Commonly known as Flame Lily, characterized by its 'V' shaped foliage. Typically starts flowering within 180 days after planting. Best planting time in Tamil Nadu is during June and July (rainy season). Requires organic fertilizers for growth. Trellises or support structures should be erected, with the vines being tied to them. Alternatively, bamboo or iron rods can be used for support. Harvesting should be done at 30, 60, and 90 days after planting. Initially, regular watering is essential, followed by intermittent watering every 20-25 days. However, if there is an average rainfall of 70 cm, watering may not be necessary. Flowering usually occurs during September and October. Each tuber produces approximately 100 grams of flowers. During the monsoon season, the tubers sprout and develop roots. The flowers typically have orange or yellow petals. The green fruit turns into an orange or reddish-brown pod upon ripening. The immature pods should be harvested for best results. The pods turn from green to light green or yellowish-green, and the skin becomes wrinkled. At this stage, the tubers can be harvested for medicinal use. A single plant typically produces flowers up to approximately 150. Since the natural pollination by insects may be limited, hand pollination can be employed to ensure successful fertilization when the flowers start to bloom. During the time of flowering, which usually occurs in the morning, take a small brush with long bristles and lightly brush the stamens and pistils of the flowers that have opened up. By doing this, pollen from the stamens will be transferred onto the brush, which can then be gently applied onto the stigma of other flowers on the same plant or different plants. This process, when carried out between 8 to 11 in the morning, significantly enhances fruit set. Fruits start to form within four months. At that time, it's essential to prune the vines to encourage fruiting. One plant yields around 100 grams of seeds and approximately one kilogram of tubers. An acre can yield up to 500 kilograms. Harvest the tubers for sale after 10 to 15 days of drying them in shade. Storing seeds in paper bags in a cool, dry place is recommended. The price of seeds ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per kilogram, making it a lucrative commodity. Both seeds and tubers can be used for commercial cultivation, contributing significantly to agricultural income. Usage Part - Seeds are considered tubers. 9) Medicinal uses - Beneficial medicines for diseases like rheumatism, joint pain, improving digestion, lactation, snake bites, and good for various skin diseases. It is also used as medicine to cure labor pain, provide energy, and relieve headaches. It is beneficial in clearing phlegm from the head. Superphosphate and potash are the medicines available in this. It is good medicine for intestines, abdominal obstructions, and snake bites. It also provides good nutrition to worms. Since it contains more quantities of superphosphate medicine, it is found to be of higher value. The seeds contain a very high nutritional value of superphosphate medicine. It is very useful in relieving pain in cases of rheumatism and joint pain, especially in European countries. This medicine acts as a good antidote to the poisonous snake's bite. It is found to be very useful in relieving joint pain. Due to the presence of very fine crystals in the urea superphosphate, this medicine enhances the whiteness of the urea. This medicine also enhances the brightness of the fine crystals of urea. Thus, it relieves joint pain. This medicine is beneficial in various diseases. At one time, if a small amount of poison is administered, then it is beneficial to take a small amount of medicine. For women suffering from labor pain, it is beneficial to apply snakebite powder to the lower part without looking at the snake. Immediately, green tubers are removed and placed on the abdomen, lower back, navel, and uterus. Immediately after applying the medicine, wash the affected area with saline. When treating snakebites, remove the wormwood, hellebore, and seneca from the affected area and apply some borage leaves and juice as an antidote. If the patient feels suffocation due to the action of the poison, give some water after three hours. Do not give it immediately. Reapply a small amount of medicine as before after three hours. Seven times, perform the procedure of removing the snakebite and applying the snakebite medicine. In this process, if the patient feels better, then give a small amount of medicine again. Mix a little black salt and chili powder in milk and give it to the patient. This is the best medicine for suffocation. With this tuber, mix karisirakam, carpo rice, wild chili, sandalwood powder, kalaya, sandalwood powder, and various other herbs to relieve joint pain. Mix a small amount of saline and pour it into the wound, and then remove it after a while. Again, mix a little bit of the medicine and apply it to relieve pain. Do this seven times and then apply it on the abdomen. This medicine is beneficial for the heat of the body. If there are one or two doses of serious diseases, then give this medicine in a smaller dose. For women suffering from labor pain, immediately apply green tubers to the lower abdomen, waist, uterus, and uterus without touching them. Immediately cover the applied part with saline. When treating snakebites, also apply some to the affected part. When administering snakebite medicine, drink some milk with karisirakam, betel leaf, and cumin. Then take some water and let the patient drink it without getting choked. If the patient feels better after three hours, give a small amount of medicine again. Apply again a little medicine as before after three hours. Mix a little black salt and chili powder in milk and give it to the patient. This is the best medicine for suffocation. Mix karisirakam, carpo rice, wild chili, sandalwood powder, kalaya, sandalwood powder, and various other herbs with this tuber and apply it on the abdomen. Mix a little saline with it and pour it on the body. This medicine is beneficial for suffocation, cough, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and various other diseases.