Tiger flower, Mexican shell flower
Tigridia pavonia
Family: Iridaceae
What it is like
A plant with a corm. It grows 40-60 cm high and 10-15 cm wide. The leaves form a fan shape from the base. There are 2 ranks of leaves which sheath the stem. The leaves are 25-40 cm long. The flowers have 3 large segments. When fully open they are 10 cm across. The colours range from red, orange, yellow, white and purple. There are often spots on the inner segments.
There are about 35 Tigridia species.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the cloud forest zone in Mexico. It is damaged by frost. It suits hardiness zones 9-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Guatemala, India, Mexico, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The bulbs are roasted and eaten. They are starchy and have a chestnut like flavour.
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.
Edible parts
Root, bulb, vegetable
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Cacomite, Carcomeca, Cocomitl, Peacock flower, Shell flower