tigrida

Tigridia is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the iris family, Iridaceae. The genus is native to Mexico and Central America, with one species extending into northwestern South America. Tigridia plants are commonly known as tiger flowers or Mexican shells due to their brightly colored, intricately patterned blooms that resemble a tiger's markings.

The most well-known species is Tigridia pavonia, often referred to as the common tiger flower. These plants produce spectacular, trumpet-shaped flowers that typically last only a day or two. The blooms, which appear in summer and early autumn, come in a wide range of vibrant colors including red, orange, yellow, pink, and white, often with contrasting spots and blotches in the throat. Each flower has three large outer petals and three smaller inner segments, known as tepals.

Tigridia plants grow from bulb-like structures called corms. They are herbaceous perennials that die back to the ground in winter in colder climates. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. While some species are cultivated as ornamental plants, they are not widely grown commercially. Propagation is typically done through division of the corms or from seed. Due to their relatively short bloom life, they are often planted in successive waves to provide a continuous display of color.