Tiger Flower

Tigridia pavonia

Physical Characteristics

Tigridia pavonia is a CORM growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Southern N. America - Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Corm - cooked[2, 46, 61, 105]. Delicious when baked, tasting like a sweet potato[K]. The corm is quite small unfortunately and so will never be more than a very tasty occasional treat[K]. The corm has an unpleasant, burning sensation on the mouth if it is eaten raw[K].

Medicinal Uses

Infertility The plant has been used to promote fertility[200].

Known Hazards

None known