Alstroemeria pelegrina

Peruvian lily, Inca lily

Alstroemeriaceae Edible: Root Potential hazards — see below 450 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Alstroemeria pelegrina, the Peruvian lily, is a species of flowering plant in the large genus Alstroemeria of the family Alstroemeriaceae (Inca-lilies), part of the monocot order Liliales. It is the type-species of that genus, originally described by Linnaeus in 1762 as one of three species of Alstroemeria. It is a herbaceous rhizomatous perennial endemic to Chile.

Description

A perennial plant. It has underground rhizomes. It grows 30-60 cm high and spreads 20-40 cm across. There are separate leafy and flowering stems from the underground rhizome. The leaves are 8 cm long. The flowers are in small clusters. They are white or pink with a yellow centre and purple-red flecks. The seed capsules open suddenly spreading seed.

Edible Uses

The cooked root is a source of starch.

Traditional Uses

The root is cooked and eaten.

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 in sand dunes along the coast in Chile and Peru. It requires a moist well drained soil and a warm situation. They can grow in seaside gardens. It suits a Mediterranean climate. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 9-10.

Where It Grows

Australia, Canada, Chile, North America, Peru, South America,

Cultivation

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. Requires a well-drained soil that stays moist in the summer. Plants succeed in maritime gardens. Possibly hardy to about -10°c. Another report suggests that plants will only tolerate light frosts, but they should prove hardy in selected sites in the mildest areas of the country. The roots should be planted 15 - 20cm deep when dormant in late summer to autumn and then be well mulched to protect them from severe winter weather. 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.

References (6)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 71
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 140
Leon-Lobos, P., et al, 2022, Patterns of Traditional and Modern Uses of Wild Edible Native Plants of Chile: Challenges and Future Perspectives. Plants (Basel) v 11 (6) Table S1
Marinelli, J. (Ed), 2004, Plant. DK. p 224
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

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