62 Species in Genus Tigridia

Tigridia: A Fleeting Beauty I Can’t Resist

My name is Ferb Vu, and I’m a gardener with a passion for unusual and vibrant flowers. While roses and lilies have their charm, I’m drawn to the fleeting beauty of more unique blooms. That’s why I’ve become fascinated by the Tigridia genus. These flowers belong to the Iridaceae family, also known as tiger flowers or peacock flowers, are native to Mexico and Central America, and they boast a captivating display of colors and patterns that rival even the most exotic butterflies.

What strikes me most about Tigridia is their ephemeral nature. Each blossom lasts only a single day, opening in the morning and closing by nightfall. This fleeting existence adds to their allure, reminding me to appreciate the beauty of the present moment. It’s like a daily performance, a brief but spectacular show of nature’s artistry.

A Kaleidoscope of Colors

The genus Tigridia encompasses roughly 62 species, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most notable species include:

1. Tigridia pavonia: This is the most commonly cultivated species, known for its large, triangular flowers that come in a wide array of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. The petals often feature intricate spots and markings, resembling the eyes on a peacock’s tail.
2. Tigridia lutea: This species boasts bright yellow flowers with deep red spots at the base of the petals.
3. Tigridia violacea: As the name suggests, this species showcases beautiful violet-colored flowers with darker purple spots.
4. Tigridia mexicana: This species is known for its smaller, more delicate flowers, typically in shades of orange and yellow.
5. Tigridia vanhouttei: This species features striking red flowers with a yellow center and dark spots.
6. Tigridia albicans Ravenna
7. Tigridia alpestris Molseed
8. Tigridia amatlanensis Aarón Rodr. & García-Mend.
9. Tigridia arequipensis Montesinos, A.Pauca & Revilla
10. Tigridia augusta Drapiez
11. Tigridia azufresensis López-Pérez & Munguía-Lino
12. Tigridia bicolor Molseed
13. Tigridia catarinensis Cruden
14. Tigridia chiapensis Molseed ex Cruden
15. Tigridia chrysantha Cruden & S.J.Walker ex McVaugh
16. Tigridia citrina (Cruden) Goldblatt
17. Tigridia coerulea Goldblatt
18. Tigridia convoluta (Ravenna) Goldblatt
19. Tigridia conzattii (R.C.Foster) Goldblatt
20. Tigridia dugesii S.Watson
21. Tigridia durangensis Molseed ex Cruden
22. Tigridia ehrenbergii (Schltdl.) Molseed
23. Tigridia estelae López-Ferr. & Espejo
24. Tigridia flammea (Lindl.) Ravenna
25. Tigridia fosteri Goldblatt
26. Tigridia galanthoides Molseed
27. Tigridia gracielae Aarón Rodr. & Ortiz-Cat.
28. Tigridia hallbergii Molseed
29. Tigridia heliantha (Ravenna) Goldblatt
30. Tigridia hintonii Molseed
31. Tigridia huajuapanensis Molseed ex Cruden
32. Tigridia huyanae (J.F.Macbr.) Ravenna
33. Tigridia illecebrosa Cruden
34. Tigridia immaculata (Herb.) Ravenna
35. Tigridia inusitata (Cruden) Ravenna
36. Tigridia latifolia (Weath.) Goldblatt
37. Tigridia longispatha (Herb.) Goldblatt
38. Tigridia mariaetrinitatis Espejo & López-Ferr.
39. Tigridia martinezii Calderón
40. Tigridia matudae Molseed
41. Tigridia meleagris (Lindl.) G.Nicholson
42. Tigridia minuta Ravenna
43. Tigridia molseediana Ravenna
44. Tigridia mortonii Molseed
45. Tigridia multiflora (Baker) Ravenna
46. Tigridia nanchititlensis Aarón Rodr. & Szeszko
47. Tigridia oaxacana (Molseed) Goldblatt
48. Tigridia orthantha (Lem.) Ravenna
49. Tigridia pearcei (Baker) Ravenna
50. Tigridia philippiana I.M.Johnst.
51. Tigridia potosina López-Ferr. & Espejo
52. Tigridia pugana Aarón Rodr. & Ortiz-Cat.
53. Tigridia pulchella B.L.Rob.
54. Tigridia purpusii Molseed
55. Tigridia purruchucana (Herb.) Ravenna
56. Tigridia raimondii Ravenna
57. Tigridia rzedowskiana Aarón Rodr. & Ortiz-Cat.
58. Tigridia seleriana (Loes.) Ravenna
59. Tigridia suarezii Aarón Rodr. & Ortiz-Cat.
60. Tigridia tepoxtlana Ravenna
61. Tigridia tuitensis (Aarón Rodr. & Ortiz-Cat.) Goldblatt
62. Tigridia venusta Cruden

Cultivating Tigridia: A Rewarding Challenge

Growing Tigridia can be a bit challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. These plants thrive in well-drained soil and full sun exposure. They require regular watering, especially during dry periods, but it’s crucial to avoid overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot.

In colder climates, Tigridia bulbs need to be dug up in the fall and stored indoors over the winter. This ensures their survival and allows for replanting in the spring. While this extra care might seem daunting, it becomes a labor of love when those vibrant blooms emerge.

The Allure of Ephemeral Beauty

The fleeting nature of Tigridia blossoms might seem like a drawback, but I find it to be a source of fascination. Their short lifespan teaches me to appreciate the beauty of impermanence. Each day brings a new flower, a new display of color and form. It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in the transient, in the ever-changing nature of life.

For me, gardening is a way to connect with nature, to observe its cycles and rhythms. Tigridia exemplifies this connection, reminding me that beauty can be fleeting but also incredibly powerful. Each bloom is a small miracle, a testament to the resilience and artistry of the natural world.

As I continue to cultivate these captivating flowers, I’m constantly amazed by their diversity and resilience. They may be delicate in appearance, but they possess a strength that allows them to thrive in a variety of conditions. And though their beauty is short-lived, it leaves a lasting impression, a reminder to cherish the present moment and find joy in the ephemeral wonders of the natural world.