Glory lily (Gloriosa superb linn) – Package of Practices for cultivation

Glory Lily

Botanical Name: Gloriosa superba Linn.
Family: Liliaceae

Distribution

Glory lily is native to Asia and Africa. It is distributed throughout North and South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and neighboring countries. In India it is commonly found in North-East and southern states. At present it is cultivated mainly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and Karnataka for its seeds.

Vernacular Names

• Sanskrit: Langalika, Agni sikha, Garbhagatini, Kalikari
• Hindi: Kalihari, Languli, Karihari
• English: Superb lily, Glory lily
• Kannada: Agnisile, Akkatangi balli, Kolikatumkana gadde, Gowri huvu
• Telugu: Adavinabhi, Kalapa gadda, Pottidumpa
• Tamil: Kalaipaikizhangu, Kartikkai-kizhangu
• Malayalam: Ventoni, Kandal, Manthori-kizhangu
• Gujarati: Khadyang

Varieties

No specific named varieties are reported.

Agro-climatic Requirements

Super lily is a perennial vine crop which remains in the field for several years. It adapts well to different soil types and climatic variations ranging from arid to humid valleys.

It grows vigorously in warm climates with rainfall around 200 cm evenly distributed throughout the year. Temperature of about 15–20°C during daytime and 10–15°C during night is ideal for good flowering and seed formation.

Medium sandy loam soil with pH between 6 and 7 is best suited for cultivation.

Cultivation

Plants can be propagated through seeds as well as tubers. Seeds treated with thiourea (0.3–0.4%) give maximum germination (about 67.5%). However, seed-propagated plants take 3–4 years to flower; therefore propagation through tubers is preferred.

The land should be ploughed and harrowed to a fine tilth and divided into small plots with proper drainage. Tubers are brittle; therefore their ends must be handled carefully to avoid damage.

Fungicide-treated apical tuber pieces weighing 50–60 g are planted 6 cm deep in furrows spaced 45–60 cm apart. The plant spacing should be maintained at 30–45 cm. Larger tubers produce more vigorous vines. Closer spacing promotes cross fertilization and improves fruit set.

Intercultural Operations and Pruning

Since the plant is a climbing vine, it should be trained on stakes or wire frames to obtain higher fruit yield. Adequate irrigation is required during the early growth stage, particularly during dry periods.

Later about three irrigations per month are sufficient. Excess moisture should be avoided because it may cause tuber rotting. Two to three weedings are necessary during the crop period.

Manure and Fertilizers

About 15–20 tonnes of farmyard manure or compost should be incorporated during land preparation.

A basal fertilizer dose of 40 kg nitrogen, 50 kg phosphorus (P₂O₅) and 75 kg potassium (K₂O) per hectare is recommended at planting. An additional 80 kg nitrogen per hectare should be applied as top dressing eight weeks after planting along with staking of vines.

Plant Protection

Leaf blight and tuber soft rot are important fungal diseases affecting the crop. Spraying Dithane M-45 (0.3%) three times at intervals of 10–15 days effectively controls the disease.

Drenching the soil near the root zone with Bavistin (0.2%) or Cuprosol is useful during early stages of infection. Removal and destruction of infected tubers helps prevent spread.

Lily caterpillar and green caterpillar attack leaves and buds. Spraying Metacid (0.2%) at fortnightly intervals and dusting BHC are recommended for pest control.

Harvesting and Yield

Pods are harvested manually and dried in shade for 7–10 days. Seeds are shade dried for one week and then sun dried for another week.

One hectare plantation produces about 150 kg seeds in the first year and 250–300 kg seeds from the second year onwards. Seeds should be stored in moisture-proof containers in cool and dry conditions.

Cost of Cultivation

Approximate cost of cultivation is about Rs. 2,67,500 per hectare.

Inputs

Parts Used

Tuberous roots

Medicinal Uses

The tuberous root acts as a tonic, anti-periodic, cholagogue, alterative, abortifacient, anthelmintic and purgative. It is one of the eight “Upa-Vishas” mentioned in Ayurveda.

A paste of the tuber prepared with water is applied for poisonous insect bites, snake bite, scorpion sting, parasitic skin diseases and leprosy.

Thin slices of roots soaked in salted buttermilk for 4–5 days and dried for another 4–5 days are believed to reduce toxic properties.

The white powder obtained after repeated washing and grinding is used in gonorrhea (up to 12 grains with honey). Root paste applied on the suprapubic region and navel promotes labour pains.

Root ground with Citraka bark in cow’s urine is applied to painful piles. Leaf paste applied on the head controls lice infestation. Seeds are also used in preparations for treating gout.