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Clivia
Clivia miniata
SA tree number
English: Clivia, Bush Lily, Natal Lily, St. John's Lily, Fire Lily
Afrikaans: Boslelie
Xhosa: uMayime
Zulu: uBuhlungu beyima, uMayime
Historical scientific names: Imantophyllum miniatum
Clivia miniata, commonly known as Clivia or Boslelie, is an iconic indigenous evergreen perennial. Renowned globally for its spectacular clusters of vibrant orange (or rarely yellow) trumpet-shaped flowers and glossy, strap-like, dark green leaves, it is a favourite for shaded gardens, patios, and as a houseplant. It is also significant in traditional medicine.
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Distinguishing features:
Dark green, strap-shaped, leathery, evergreen leaves arranged in a fan-like cluster.
Large, showy heads (umbels) of bright orange (or yellow), trumpet-shaped flowers held on a sturdy stalk above the foliage.
Fleshy, bright red berries that persist on the plant for many months after flowering.
Forms dense, clumping mounds.
Thrives in shady, forest-like conditions.
Overall appearance:
The Clivia (Clivia miniata) is a handsome, clump-forming perennial that provides year-round appeal with its deep green, lustrous, strap-shaped foliage. Its true showstopper is the explosion of vibrant orange or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that emerge in spring, creating a brilliant focal point against the dark leaves. After flowering, decorative red berries add further ornamental value, often persisting until the next flowering season.
Height:
Typically grows 30 to 80 centimetres tall, with flower stalks sometimes reaching higher.
Width:
Forms dense clumps, spreading 30 to 100 centimetres wide, as it sends out side shoots.
Leaves:
The leaves are long, strap-shaped (linear-lanceolate), thick, and leathery, typically 30-90 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. They are a rich, glossy dark green colour and are arranged in a distinctive fan-like, basal rosette, arising from a fleshy underground stem (rhizome). The leaves are evergreen.
Flowers:
The flowers are large, showy, and trumpet-shaped, measuring about 5-8 cm long. They are arranged in a dense, rounded cluster (umbel) of 10-20 (sometimes up to 40) flowers, atop a stout, erect flower stalk that usually clears the leaves. The most common colour is brilliant orange with a yellowish throat, but cultivated varieties and rare wild forms can have creamy yellow, pale orange, or even reddish flowers. The flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts.
Flowering season:
It flowers mainly in spring (around August to November), but can also flower sporadically at other times, especially if given good conditions. The berries often persist through winter.
Fruits:
The fruit is a large, fleshy, rounded berry, about 1-1.5 cm in diameter. It ripens from green to a glossy, bright red, and can persist on the plant for several months, often from autumn through winter, providing extended ornamental appeal. Each berry can contain 1 to 20 or more seeds.
Seeds:
The seeds are relatively large, spherical to irregular in shape, and embedded in a sticky, translucent pulp within the berry. They are generally light brown or green when fresh. Dispersal is often by animals that consume the fruit.
Rhizome:
Clivia miniata does not have bark or typical woody stems. It is a clump-forming perennial with a fleshy underground rhizome from which the strap-like leaves emerge in a fan shape.
Thorns:
None.
Roots:
It has thick, fleshy, somewhat brittle roots that are quite shallow, often appearing at the soil surface and quickly filling a pot when container-grown. These roots are sensitive to disturbance.
Soil type:
Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil. In its natural habitat, it grows in leaf mould on forest floors. It is intolerant of heavy, waterlogged soils. A mix with plenty of compost or organic matter is ideal.
Aspect:
Thrives in dappled shade or bright, indirect light. Direct scorching sunlight will burn the leaves, especially in hot climates. It is sensitive to harsh sun exposure. It is moderately frost-tolerant; while established clumps can withstand light frost, severe frost can damage the foliage, though the plant usually recovers from its underground rhizome. Requires protection from heavy frost.
Ediblity:
The fruit is generally not eaten by humans. The entire plant is toxic due to the presence of alkaloids.
Toxicity:
All parts of the plant are considered poisonous due to the presence of toxic alkaloids, particularly lycorine and cliviine. Ingestion can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in large quantities, more severe effects. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Uses:
Highly popular and widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens, especially in shaded beds under trees, on patios, and as a long-lasting indoor plant. Its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage make it a prized subject. It's excellent for mass planting or as a specimen plant in pots. In traditional medicine, certain parts of the plant (particularly the rhizomes and roots) are used for various ailments, including pain relief, fever, and snake bites, but this should only be done under expert guidance due to its toxicity.
Ecology:
The flowers of Clivia miniata are pollinated primarily by butterflies, which are attracted by their colour and shape. The bright red berries are consumed by birds (which are generally not affected by the toxins) and potentially small mammals, which aid in seed dispersal through non-ingestive spitting behaviour, meaning they eat the fleshy pulp and spit out the intact seeds. Its clumping habit provides ground cover and can create suitable microclimates in its forest habitat.
Distribution and habitat:
Clivia miniata is indigenous to South Africa, specifically found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga provinces, extending into Eswatini (Swaziland). It grows naturally in subtropical coastal forests, ravines, and high-altitude forests, typically in dappled shade on the forest floor, often in large colonies, and sometimes growing epiphytically in the forks of trees.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Clivia was given in honour of Lady Charlotte Florentia Clive (1787–1866), Duchess of Northumberland, who was the granddaughter of Robert Clive ("Clive of India") and the first to cultivate the genus in England.
The species epithet miniata is Latin for "cinnabar-red" or "red oxide of lead," referring to the bright orange-red colour of the typical flowers.
Common names like "Bush Lily" and "Natal Lily" describe its habitat (bush or forest) and its origin in the former Natal province, as well as its lily-like flowers (though it is not a true lily).
Historical aspects:
The world's fascination with Clivia miniata began in the 1800s when specimens were sent from KwaZulu-Natal to England. It quickly became a hugely popular indoor plant during Victorian times across Europe. The discovery of the yellow-flowered variant (C. miniata var. citrina) in the late 1800s further intensified its appeal and popularity, which continues to this day, with extensive hybridisation and cultivation by enthusiasts worldwide. Its use in traditional African medicine dates back much further, making it a culturally significant plant.
Interesting facts:
This plant isn't just beautiful; it's a survivor! It thrives in the deep shade where many other flowering plants struggle.
While it's called a "lily," it's not a true lily at all! It belongs to the Amaryllis family.
The stunning red berries can stay on the plant for months, adding a decorative touch long after the flowers have faded.
The plant is known for its beautiful orange flowers, but did you know there are also rare and highly prized yellow-flowered varieties?
Growing tips:
Propagation: Best propagated from fresh seed (sow immediately after cleaning the pulp) or by dividing established clumps, usually after flowering. Be gentle with the fleshy roots when dividing.
Light: Requires bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Protect from direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Watering: Water regularly and thoroughly during the growing season (spring and summer), allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter, keeping the soil almost dry to encourage flowering.
Soil: Plant in a well-drained, rich, organic potting mix. Good aeration is crucial.
Container: Excellent for container growing. Clivias often flower better when their roots are slightly crowded, so avoid overpotting. Repot only every few years.
Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures. To encourage flowering, provide a cool, dry resting period in winter (around 10°C is ideal). Protect from frost.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced, organic liquid fertiliser monthly during spring and summer (growing season).
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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