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Peruvian-lily

Scientific Name: Alstroemeria aurea

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Alstroemeria: The Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas

Alstroemeria, commonly known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, is a popular and vibrant flowering plant cherished for its beauty and longevity as a cut flower.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text states that *Alstroemeria* is poisonous. This information should be considered when keeping this plant in households with pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The text states that *Alstroemeria* is a skin irritant. This information should be considered when keeping this plant in households with children.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Alstroemeria spp. (various species and hybrids)
  • Common Names: Peruvian Lily, Lily of the Incas, Princess Lily, Parrot Lily, St Martin's Flower
  • Family: Alstroemeriaceae (sometimes referred to as Liliaceae or lily family)
  • Synonyms: A. aurantiaca D.Don (for some species)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Most species of Alstroemeria originate from Chile, South America.
  • Some species, such as Scilla Peruviana (though not a true *Alstroemeria*), are native to Portugal and Spain.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Alstroemeria are herbaceous perennials that grow from tuberous roots.
  • They produce leafy stems topped with umbels of flowers, resembling miniature lilies or azaleas.
  • Plant height can range significantly depending on the species and cultivar, from compact varieties to those reaching up to 1.4 meters (approximately 4.5 feet). Some species, like *A. aurea*, can reach 3 to 4 feet tall.
  • The flowers come in a wide variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, red, purple, and various shades in between, often with streaked petals.

Quirky Facts

  • Despite its common name, the Peruvian Lily is primarily native to Chile, not Peru, and is not a true lily.
  • The cultivar 'Casablanca' is noted for being the closest to white in color within the genus.

Ecological Role

  • Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers grown from Peruvian Lily seeds.

Additional Information

  • The genus *Alstroemeria* was named in honor of the 18th-century Baron Clas Alstroemer.