Fritillary (Snake's Head Fritillary, Snakes Head Fritillary, Siberian Fritillary, Mission Bells)

• Common Name: Fritillary (Snake's Head Fritillary, Snakes Head Fritillary, Siberian Fritillary, Mission Bells)
• Latin Name: Fritillaria spp.
• Family Name: Liliaceae

The geometric chequerboard pattern on the petals of the Snake's Head Fritillary is one of the most striking sights in nature, but this plant is not as fragile and delicate as it might seem, as it contains the poisonous glycoside Imperialine, as well as Tulipalin A and Tuliposide A.  If ingested these glycosides can cause gastrointestinal tract irritation, vomiting, and affect kidney function, so it is not a plant to have growing near the tortoise enclosure.  All species of Fritillary are equally toxic, although it is said that Fritillaria pallidiflora and Fritillaria cirrhosa contain the most toxins, and it is thought that these are mainly concentrated in the bulb. 

See also Crown Imperial Fritillary.