Belamcanda chinensis

Belamcanda chinensis - Leopard lily

Belamcanda chinensis (Iris domestica, Blackberry lily, Leopard flower, Leopard lily, Belamcanda punctata Moench, Gemmingia chinensis (L.) Kuntze, Iris chinensis Curtis, Ixia chinensis L., Morea chinensis, Pardanthus chinensis (L.) Ker Gawl.) is an ornamental plant in the Iridaceae family. In 2005, based on molecular DNA sequence evidence, Belamcanda chinensis, the sole species in the genus Belamcanda, was transferred to the genus Iris and renamed Iris domestica.

Belamcanda chinensis, is a short-lived perennial, of Chinese origin, that reseeds easily. The plant grows 60-90 cm tall in full sun and is often found blanketing hill sides, the flowers can range from red to yellow to orange or mixed and bloom in summer to early autumn (fall). The leaves grow in a fan, like those of a gladiolus. The flowers are typically orange spotted with red, although yellow-flowered varieties are in cultivation. The seed pods open in the fall, showing clusters of black seeds whose fancied resemblance to a blackberry gives the plant its common name, "blackberry lily." Seeds are not edible. The plant  is also known as leopard lily because of the dark markings on its flowers. The plant is propagated by seeds or division.

A durable perennial that deserves more use in  perennial gardens and flower beds. Plant cluster of three or more plants to enjoy the April-through-October shoots of orange blossoms dotted with dark spots, plus periodic blooms during the remaining warmer days of fall.  Plants can also be grown in containers for porch, balcony and patio displays. Belamcanda chinensis grows best in well-drained soil in the sun or partial shade, but will grow in clay or sand soil.

The dried rhizome of Belamcanda chinensis has long been used in East Asia to treat throat troubles, asthma, swollen liver and spleen, gonorrhea, malaria, and arrow poisoning. The leopard lily has a very long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a bitter cooling herb that acts mainly on the lungs and the liver, lowering fevers and reducing inflammation. It is effective against a number of bacterial, fungal and viral organisms and has also been used as an antidote to snakebites. The root contains several medically active constituents including flavonoids and isoflavonoids. It also contains the glucosides belamcandin, tectoridin, shekanin and iridin. It is analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, depurative, expectorant, febrifuge, pectoral, purgative, stomachic and tonic. It is used in the treatment of acute laryngitis, acute tonsillitis, oedema of the glottis and cough with profuse sputum. The juice of the root is used in Nepal to treat liver complaints, where it has the added benefit of improving the appetite. This juice is also used to abort a foetus during the first trimester of pregnancy. The root should not be prescribed for pregnant women. The root is harvested in the summer and autumn, and dried for later use. Currently, studies are underway to investigate its apparent potential against prostate cancer.

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_domestica
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Belamcanda%20chinensis