If there is one plant that stands as a case study on how illegal wildlife trade, driven by human greed and large-scale corporate interests, decimate an entire plant species, the Gloriosa Superba would be it. From being widely available across the world, this gorgeous plant now finds a mention in the IUCN’s ‘red data book.’
Using it for its beauty and utilitarian value, humans across the world have decimated this plant.
It has almost as many names as its uses. The Flame-Lily, Malabar Glory Lily, Kalihari, Tiger Claw and Creeping Lily is put to use in everything from poisoning arrows in Africa to removing head lice to generating a host of medicinally useful chemicals. It ranges from tropical and Southern Africa to India, China, parts of Europe, Australia and the United States (within the latter two it is classified as a weed).
Its local names are fascinating: Kalikari (Sanskrit); Languli (Hindi); Dudhio, Vacchonag(Gujarati); Indai, Karianag, Khadyanag (Marathi); Karadi, Kanninagadde (Kannada); Adavinabhi, Kalappagadda, Ganjeri (Telugu); Mettoni, Kithonni (Malayalam); Kalappai-Kizhangu, Kannoru (Tamil); Ognisikha, Garbhhoghhatono, Panjangulia, Meheriaphulo (Oriya); Kariari, Mulim (Punjabi) – to mention a few.
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