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Alstroemeria versicolor - Ruiz.&Pav.

Common Name
Family Amaryllidaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards Some people are sensitive to this plant and skin contact with the sap can cause them to get dermatitis[65].
Habitats Stony places and scrub at an altitude of 250 - 1700 metres from Valparaiso to Conception and in the Valle de los Cipreses[260].
Range S. America - Chile.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Alstroemeria versicolor


Alstroemeria versicolor

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Alstroemeria versicolor is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is not frost tender. 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 moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root - cooked[61]. A source of starch, it is very nutritious[2, 46, 105, 177].

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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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

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]. 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[1]. Plants tolerate temperatures down to about -5°c[260]. 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[1], the roots are fleshy and brittle[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plant 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 Range

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Chile (Maule, Libertador General Bernardo O Higgins)

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 :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Alstroemeria aureaPeruvian LilyPerennial1.0 7-10 MLMHSNM10 
Alstroemeria haemanthaPurple-spot parrot-lilyPerennial0.9 8-11  LMSNM30 
Alstroemeria ligtuAlstroemeria, St. Martin's FlowerPerennial0.6 8-10 MLMSNDM301
Alstroemeria pelegrinaPeruvian LilyPerennial0.5 8-11  LMSNDM20 
Alstroemeria revoluta Perennial0.6 -  LMSNM20 
Alstroemeria spectabilis Perennial0.0 -  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.

 

Expert comment

Author

Ruiz.&Pav.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

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Subject : Alstroemeria versicolor  
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