A genus of handsome bulbous plants from Mexico, having sword-shaped leaves and large flowers gorgeous in colour, white, red, orange, pink, and purple being the chief tints. They like rich sandy soil, warm, sunny positions, and are increased by division. The best-known species is T. Pavonia (fig. 248), 2-4 ft. high, with showy flowers, yellow blotched with purple and violet and tipped with scarlet. There are several varieties, such as alba, white spotted with purple and red; grandiflora', conchiflora, etc.

Fig. 248. - Tigridia pavonia.