Alstroemeria haemantha

Ruiz. & Pav.

Peruvian Lily, Purple-spot Parrot-lily

Alstroemeriaceae Edible: Root Potential hazards — see below 268 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Perennial herb reaching 90 cm tall with hermaphrodite flowers blooming June to July. Hardy to UK zone 9 and frost-hardy. Grows in light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soils across mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH ranges. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun, prefers moist conditions, and withstands maritime exposure.

Description

A perennial plant 100 cm high and spreads 100 cm wide. The stem is erect. The leaves are long and sword shaped. The flowers are funnel shaped. The flowers are reddish-yellow with green tips. They can have purple spots. They grow in clusters at the top of the plant.

Edible Uses

The cooked root is a source of starch. It is very nutritious but has a rather bland flavour.

Traditional Uses

The root is cooked and eaten. It can be processed into flour.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Known Hazards

Some people are sensitive to this plant and skin contact with the sap can cause them to get dermatitis.

Distribution

It grows naturally on well-drained rocky hillsides in Chile. It requires a moist well drained soil and a warm situation.

Where It Grows

Australia, Chile, Peru*, South America,

Cultivation

An easily grown plant, it requires a fertile, moisture retentive well-drained soil and a warm situation in sun or semi-shade. Prefers a dry sheltered border and a peaty loam. Plants succeed in maritime gardens. Hardy to between -10 and -15°c. The roots should be planted 15 - 20cm deep in late summer to autumn and then be well mulched to protect them from severe winter weather. This species is closely related to A. ligtu. A somewhat invasive plant, spreading by means of fleshy roots to form large patches. Somewhat intolerant of root disturbance, the roots are fleshy and brittle.

Propagation

Seed — best sown in individual pots in a cold frame as soon as ripe, though seedlings can be transplanted successfully if moved carefully while small. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hours in warm water, warm stratify for 4 weeks at 25°C, then reduce temperature to 10°C. Excising a small piece of the seed near the embryo after warm stratification helps speed germination. Plant out approximately 20cm deep into permanent positions in late summer or autumn. Division in April or October, taking care as the plant resents root disturbance — ensure each portion has a growth bud.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 50-80 Alstroemeria species. They occur in South America especially in cool mountain regions.

Synonyms

Alstroemeria simsii

References (6)

Bircher, A. G. & Bircher, W. H., 2000, Encyclopedia of Fruit Trees and Edible Flowering Plants in Egypt and the Subtropics. AUC Press. p 21
Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 71
Fl. peruv. 3:60. 1802
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 46
Lamberton, K (Ed.), 2004, The Australian gardening encyclodepia. Murdoch Books, NSW Australia. p 161

Show all 6 references