The Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba) is Rhodesia’s national flower. It is often found near or on rocky kopjes in good humus soil, and visited by the migrating African Vagrant butterflies when it blooms in December. The Shona name of Kajongwe is particularly apt for, as the wind shakes the plant, so the bright red petals twitch like a rooster’s comb.
Every part of the plant is poisonous, especially the tuberous rhizomes, and is toxic enough to cause human and animal fatalities if ingested.
Stamps & Postal Products
1966 Definitive Issue – 6d Flame Lily
1974 – Third Definitive Issue – 7½c Gloriosa superba
1976 Third Definitive Issue (New Values) – 8c Gloriosa superba
1976 – Third Definitive Issue (Surcharged Values) – 8c on 7½c Gloriosa superba
Postcards
1975 – Big Game Photography (Pvt.) Ltd. (F Series – Type VIA)
