Definition

1. Noun:
   • A climbing perennial plant: "creeping lily" refers to any plant belonging to the genus Gloriosa, native to tropical Africa and Asia. It is characterized by climbing via tendrils at the tips of its leaves and producing vibrant yellow, red, or purple flowers. All parts of this plant are toxic.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The garden featured a beautiful but dangerous creeping lily.
  • All parts of the creeping lily are poisonous if ingested.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical context: The term is used in botanical and horticultural descriptions to specify plants of the genus.
  • The creeping lily, or Gloriosa superba, is often cultivated for its striking flowers despite its toxicity.

Variants and Related Words

• Gloriosa lily: Another common name for the same plant.
  • The Gloriosa lily is also known as the flame lily.
• Flame lily: A synonym emphasizing the flower's fiery red and yellow colors.
  • The flame lily is the national flower of Zimbabwe.

Synonyms

• Climbing lily: A descriptive synonym highlighting its growth habit.
• Gloriosa: The scientific genus name, often used as a common name.

Notes

• Caution: The term "creeping lily" specifically denotes a poisonous plant. This is a critical aspect of its definition in usage.
  • It is important to recognize a creeping lily to avoid accidental poisoning.

Noun

1. any plant of the genus Gloriosa of tropical Africa and Asia; a perennial herb climbing by means of tendrils at leaf tips having showy yellow to red or purple flowers; all parts are poisonous