The L-shaped tubers are extremely poisonous, containing the powerful alkaloids colchicine and gloriosine. Accidental death due to ingestion has occurred in Third World countries where some people have mistaken them for the edible sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas. Common sense dictates the wearing of gloves when handling tubers. In its native India, Gloriosa superba has become endangered due to overcollection of the tubers, which are an ingredient in the Ayurveda treatment of gout. Several Indian companies export the marble-like seeds as medicinals.
Propagation is by division of the tubers or from seed.
Gloriosa bulbs should be divided every third year. I prefer to do this in early spring, just before new growth begins, when the eyes are easiest to spot. Future growth cannot occur without the presence of these growing points. It is here, and only here, that the tuber is capable of creating adventitious stems and roots. Eyeless tubers are worthless as propagation organs and should be discarded.