Gloriosa superba
is one of a number of plant species which are presently being tested for their suitability to be grown as Green Roof plants in the Durban region that have initially shown good results. They all occur naturally within a radius of 50 km of the Durban city centre

These plants occur naturally in full sun in deep sandy soils along the coast  in the Durban area. They are commonly found growing in the fore dune vegetation along our beaches where they are extremely wind and salt tolerant.

Growth habit
A small climbing plant with a tuberous root stock. They reproduce naturally by means of seed

Decorative value
These plants are highly decorative having dark glossy green leaves and a neat growth habit, they produce spectacular red and yellow flowers in mid summer

Drought resistance
These plants are only vegetative for a short period during the wet summer months when there is sufficient rainfall for them to survive. Once they have flowered and produced seed in the autumn they die down and remain dormant until summer.

Disease and pest resistance
Diseases and pests are unknown to me.

Suitability as Green Roof plants
These plants have value in the Green Roof landscape in that they provide biodiversity as well as a splash of brilliant colour during mid summer. They plants have done well under our research conditions.

Biodiversity value in the Green Roof landscape
To date this remains unresearched by our team.

Cautions and precautions in the Green Roof application
None that I am aware of.

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Ecoman Durban Indigenous Landscape Design Consultant

Bio-Diverse Indigenous Landscaping I design landscapes and gardens that are Bio-Diverse as well as being pleasing to the eye

Landscapes and Gardens that are Nature Friendly

 

I always apply the basic principles of good landscape design to create an aesthetically pleasing garden that at the same time satisfies the living requirements of the target creatures that I would like to attract. My speciality is to attract birds, butterflies and solitary bees. I design and build Bio-Diverse Roof Gardens

 

So let Ecoman design and create a garden for you that will be a haven for wildlife such as birds, butterflies, frogs and lizards in the number of species comparable to Kruger National Park.