Nov. 18, 2008
(with photos of the Fireball lilly and Lets Ngoma)
Botswana’s rainy season is here, a time for parched ground to sprout new growth and for the trees to turn a brilliant shade of green. In the delta fireballs of color are sprouting as well – appearing only during this season and serving as exclamation points on the landscape.
On the morning walk today at Palm Island, Xugana Island Lodge guide Lets Ngoma introduced guests to Scadoxus multiflorus – the scarlet Fireball lily.
(with photos of the Fireball lilly and Lets Ngoma)
Botswana’s rainy season is here, a time for parched ground to sprout new growth and for the trees to turn a brilliant shade of green. In the delta fireballs of color are sprouting as well – appearing only during this season and serving as exclamation points on the landscape.
On the morning walk today at Palm Island, Xugana Island Lodge guide Lets Ngoma introduced guests to Scadoxus multiflorus – the scarlet Fireball lily.
The flowers can be the size of a fist, and their round flowerheads provide an explosion of intense color that one can’t miss when scanning the green floodplains. They announce that precious rain – Pula! – has arrived in thirsty Botswana. Ground-level fireworks: that’s how they strike me -- another spectacular show in the Okavango Delta.
According to “Common Wild Flowers of the Okavango Delta: Medicinal uses and Nutritional value” by Veronica Roodt, the Fireball lily’s extracts are used for colds and asthma cures in India. In Tanzania, the mentally ill are bathed in its root infusion, and there is a belief that its root decoctions, taken at regular intervals, can cure sterility in women. In Senegal, the bulbs are mixed with other plants to treat dropsy.
From the perspective of this member of the walking safari today, the Fireball lily treats the senses to one more natural delight of Botswana. It’s the newest splash of color on the delta’s ever-changing natural canvas.
--Maria Hensonvolunteer, Desert & Delta Safaris
From the perspective of this member of the walking safari today, the Fireball lily treats the senses to one more natural delight of Botswana. It’s the newest splash of color on the delta’s ever-changing natural canvas.
--Maria Hensonvolunteer, Desert & Delta Safaris
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