Different Types of Flowers in Nigeria
Nigeria has several climate zones that range from savannah grasslands and deciduous forests in the central part of the country to tropical rain forests near the coast. With these three climate zones, the flowers of Nigeria are very similar to flowers in other parts of west and central Africa. Several flowers that grow well in Nigeria are well known as indoor tropical plants in the U.S. Many will grow well in warmer parts of the U.S., like Florida and Hawaii.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a tropical and sub-tropical flower that grows from bulbs. In the spring, amaryllis flowers grow on stalks 2 to 3 feet tall. Each stalk supports two or more large, trumpet-shaped flowers. Amaryllis flowers can be white, red, bright pink, orange, light pink, rose and salmon. Amaryllis leaves are 1-1/2 inches wide and up to 18 inches long. Amaryllis grows well in partial sun, and will do well with several hours of direct sun, followed by indirect shade. Amaryllis soil needs to be constantly damp, but not soaking wet. Amaryllis is indigenous to Nigeria.
- Nigeria has several climate zones that range from savannah grasslands and deciduous forests in the central part of the country to tropical rain forests near the coast.
- Amaryllis is a tropical and sub-tropical flower that grows from bulbs.
Calla Lily
Calla lilies grow to between 18 and 24 inches tall. Calla lilies grow well in full sun, but can still do well in places that receive about 25 percent shade. Calla lilies are commonly white, but can also flower with pink, red, purple or yellow flowers. Calla lilies flower in late spring or early summer and are often used as cut flowers. Calla lilies are indigenous to Nigeria and neighboring countries.
Gloriosa Lily
The gloriosa lily is sometimes called flame lily, climbing lily, or glory lily. Indigenous to Nigeria, the petals of these flowers look very much like flames, with curved red and yellow petals. Gloriosa lilies grow from tubers and do best in sunny locations. However, like calla lilies, they can do well in partial shade. Gloriosa lilies need rich, well draining soils and will not do well if the soils are allowed to dry out.
- Calla lilies grow to between 18 and 24 inches tall.
- Calla lilies are commonly white, but can also flower with pink, red, purple or yellow flowers.
Bird of Paradise
Although commonly thought of as a native of South Africa, the bird of paradise also grows well in west Africa. The bird of paradise has unusual flowers that look very much like a bird’s head. A bird of paradise plant will grow to between 3 and 5 feet tall. Bird of paradise grows well in most soils, but needs soils that drain well. It does best in full sun, but is tolerant of partial shade.
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Although he grew up in Latin America, Mr. Ma is a writer based in Denver. He has been writing since 1987 and has written for NPR, AP, Boeing, Ford New Holland, Microsoft, RAHCO International, Umax Data Systems and other manufacturers in Taiwan. He studied creative writing at Mankato State University in Minnesota. He speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese, English and reads Spanish.