Clivia or Kaffir Lily (Clivia miniata)
Clivias are native to South Africa and they grow in most areas of Australia from temperate to tropical climates. Clivias love the shade and they make excellent understory plants, especially in rainforest gardens at Paluma.
Clivias have clusters of brightly coloured trumpet-shaped flowers which range from bright orange, red, yellow and cream shades. The orange flowering variety tends to be most common. The flowers are held on sturdy stalks above dark strap-like leaves. Clivias flower during late winter to early spring. They love the filtered light of the forest floor, mulch and moist soils, making them an ideal garden plant in the misty village of Paluma.
Text & photo by Michele Bird