Alstroemeria versicolor
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Summary
Source: WikipediaAlstroemeria versicolor is a species of plant in the family Alstroemeriaceae. It is a perennial herb endemic to Chile, where it is distributed between the Santiago Metropolitan and Araucanía regions.
Description
A perennial plant. It grows 30 cm high which spreads to 1 m across. The leaves are narrow. The flowers are yellow with purple spots.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The cooked root is edible, starchy, and very nutritious.
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 in stony places and scrub between 250 - 1700 metres from Valparaiso to Conception and in the Valle de los Cipreses in Chile. It requires a fertile well drained soil in a warm situation with a dry season.
Where It Grows
Chile*, Europe, France, 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. This species prefers a dry period in the summer and autumn. A rather tender plant, it is unlikely to succeed outdoors in Britain other than in the mildest areas of the country. Plants tolerate temperatures down to about -5°c. 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
Sow seed in individual pots in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe — seedlings can be transplanted successfully if moved carefully while small. For stored seed, pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water, warm stratify for 4 weeks at 25°C, then reduce the temperature to 10°C. After warm stratification, excising a small piece of the seed coat near the embryo can speed up germination. Plant out approximately 20cm deep into permanent positions in late summer or autumn. Divide in April or October, taking care as the plant resents root disturbance. Make sure each division includes 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 (4)
- Bircher, A. G. & Bircher, W. H., 2000, Encyclopedia of Fruit Trees and Edible Flowering Plants in Egypt and the Subtropics. AUC Press. p 21
- Fl. peruv. 3:59. 1802
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 46
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
