Fire Lily
Gloriosa superba
Fire Lily (Gloriosa superba), also known as Glory Lily, Climbing Lily, or Karthigaipoo in Tamil, is a spectacular, exotic climbing plant highly valued...
Symptoms to Watch For
Current risk level for cats based on ingestion severity.
Information provided by BioLens Veterinary Database. In case of emergency, always consult a professional.
If your pet ate this plant:
Professional First Aid Summary:
Critical Emergency! Seek immediate veterinary care. Colchicine poisoning is fatal.
In-Depth Botanical Safety Analysis
Scientific evaluation and toxicological breakdown of Fire Lily
Fire Lily (Gloriosa superba), also known as Glory Lily, Climbing Lily, or Karthigaipoo in Tamil, is a spectacular, exotic climbing plant highly valued for its striking red-and-yellow wavy petals. However, it is one of the most lethal plants in existence for domestic pets. Every single part of the plant, with the highest concentration residing in its underground tuberous bulbs, contains the extremely toxic alkaloid colchicine. Colchicine is highly cytotoxic, inhibiting cellular mitosis (division) and destroying rapidly dividing cells in the body. If ingested by a cat or dog, it results in rapid multi-organ failure, severe bloody vomiting, hemorrhagic diarrhea, bone marrow suppression, renal damage, seizures, and cardiovascular collapse. Recovery is highly uncertain unless emergency decontamination is performed within minutes of ingestion. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a Glory Lily, transport them to an emergency vet immediately. Consider replacing this highly hazardous plant with pet-safe options like the Canna Lily. For full botanical details, explore our Botanical Profile for Fire Lily.
To explore more information on pet safety and garden safety, browse our profiles on Oleander (Rose bay) and Daffodil.
Toxic Parts
Recommended Pet-Safe Alternatives
No specific alternatives listed. This plant is already pet-friendly!
Global Names & Multilingual Search
Specific Safety FAQs for Fire Lily
Is Fire Lily toxic to cats?
Yes, Fire Lily (Gloriosa superba) is extremely lethal to cats. Ingestion of any part triggers severe multi-organ failure and death.
Is Fire Lily toxic to dogs?
Yes, Fire Lily is highly lethal to dogs. It causes severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, kidney damage, bone marrow suppression, and death.
What toxic compound makes Fire Lily so dangerous?
The entire plant, especially the tuberous roots (bulbs), contains highly concentrated levels of colchicine, an extremely toxic alkaloid that stops cell division.
What is the emergency first aid for Fire Lily ingestion?
Fire Lily ingestion is a critical medical emergency. Seek immediate, urgent emergency veterinary care. Do not wait for symptoms to appear; swift decontamination is vital.
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