Zimbabwe’s national flower in bloom

Mar 12, 2026

If you have spent time walking through the bush lately in Zimbabwe, you may have noticed flashes of red and yellow climbing through the grass and shrubs. This striking flower is known as the flame lily. Adopted as Zimbabwe’s national flower in 1981, it is highly resilient. It is a tuberous climber that survives harsh dry seasons by dying back and re-emerging from underground tubers with the rain. The flower symbolises renewal, strength and the enduring spirit of the nation.

The flame lily is hard to miss once you spot it. Its curled petals transition from deep red to bright yellow, almost like small flames dancing in the wind. The plant itself often leans on surrounding vegetation for support. In the wild landscapes around Hwange, it usually appears among the grasses and woodland edges, adding bursts of colour to the rainy season landscape.

Despite its beauty, the flame lily is not a flower you should pick. In Zimbabwe it is a protected plant, which means removing it from the wild is not allowed. This protection helps ensure the plant continues to grow naturally in the ecosystems where it belongs. Like many indigenous species, it plays a small but important role in the balance of the environment.

The flame lily is also well known beyond Zimbabwe. Botanically known as Gloriosa superba, it grows in several parts of Africa and Asia. In Zimbabwe, however, it has a special significance as the national flower. Over time it has become a symbol of the country’s natural beauty and resilience.

At this time of year the flowers begin to appear across parts of Hwange. You might see them along bush paths, climbing through shrubs or peeking out from the tall grass. They are easy to spot and tend to stand out wherever they choose to grow.

If you are visiting Zimbabwe while the resilient flame lily is in bloom, take a moment to admire it and appreciate its beauty. Don’t forget though, that even though it may be very tempting, it is a protected flower and should only be admired, never picked.