Common name: Tiger Flower, Mexican Shell Flower, Peacock flower
Botanical name: Tigridia pavonia Family: Iridaceae (Iris family)
This exotic Mexican bulb is named completely after its quite startling
colour combinations- all the shades of scarlet, orange, pink, yellow, mauve
and white, usually with contrasting markings. The botanical name
Tigridia means tiger like, and pavonia means peacock like.
Tigridias are bulbous plants, which have been in cultivation since the 17th
century. Tigridia pavonia is a popular species within the tribe; growing
when happy up to a metre tall, though generally, the flowers and plants
peak around the 30-54cm. Flowers on these are up to 15 cm. in diameter with
spreading but usually reflexed segments. These segments are brightly
coloured, coming in various shades depending on the colour form grown and
generally show multi coloured spots and blotches in the cup formed by the
bases of the segments. The flower is made up of two distinct segments, the
outer segments about 10cm. long; while the inner segments are smaller. To
grow them well, a good well drained soil is essential, coupled with a sunny
warm position. Tiger flower is a fully hardy plant in all climates except
in the extremes.
| Photographed in Uttaranchal. |
|
ntroduced