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Alstroemeria ligtu - L.

Common Name Alstroemeria, St. Martin's Flower
Family Amaryllidaceae
USDA hardiness 8-10
Known Hazards Some people are sensitive to this plant and skin contact with the sap can cause them to get dermatitis[65].
Habitats Dry scrub in rocky sandy soils[187].
Range S. America - Chile
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Alstroemeria ligtu Alstroemeria, St. Martin


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alstroemeria_ligtu_Edwards's_25.13.1839.jpg
Alstroemeria ligtu Alstroemeria, St. Martin
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Meneerke_bloem

 

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Summary

Alstroemeria lilies, native to South America, are suitable for cut flowers. Often given on Valentine's Day they have long lasting attractive flowers that represent friendship and devotion. The root can be eaten once cooked. The roots are a source of a palatable starch and are very nutritious.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Alstroemeria ligtu is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from February to August, in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root - cooked[105]. The roots are a source of a palatable starch[2, 46, 177]. It is very nutritious and is given to children and invalids[139].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Massing. Requires a fertile, moisture retentive well-drained soil and a warm situation in sun or semi-shade[200]. Prefers a dry sheltered border and a peaty loam[1]. Established plants are drought tolerant according to one report[190], whilst another says that the soil should not be allowed to dry out in the growing season[42]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[233]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to between -5 to -10°c[200]. Young plants are best given a protective mulch for their first winter or two[233]. The lily-like flowers have a sweet fragrance of mignonette[245]. They are one of the longest-lasting of cut flowers for the home and so are commonly grown for this purpose[245]. The edible roots are sold in local markets in Chile[46]. 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. Plants can be rather invasive, spreading by means of underground fleshy roots to form large patches[187]. Somewhat intolerant of root disturbance[1], the roots are fleshy and brittle[200]. Special Features:Suitable for cut flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms. Bloom Color: Lavender, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow. Form: Rounded.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - best sown in individual pots in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe although seedlings can be transplanted successfully if they are moved with care whilst small. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hrs in warm water, warm stratify for 4 weeks at 25°c and then reduce the temperature to 10°c. Excising a small bit of the seed near the embryo after the seed has been warm stratified helps to speed up the germination process[164]. Plant out about 20cm deep into their permanent positions in late summer or autumn[200]. Division in April or October with care since the plant resents root disturbance[133]. Ensure each portion has a growth bud[111].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Alstroemeria aureaPeruvian LilyPerennial1.0 7-10 MLMHSNM10 
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Alstroemeria revoluta Perennial0.6 -  LMSNM20 
Alstroemeria spectabilis Perennial0.0 -  LMSNM20 
Alstroemeria versicolor Perennial0.3 8-11  LMSNM20 
Bomarea acutifoliaYatziPerennial Climber0.0 8-11  LMNM20 
Bomarea edulis Perennial Climber3.0 7-10  LMSNM30 
Bomarea salsilla Perennial Climber2.0 8-11  LMNM20 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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