Warning

Seek medical attention if exposure results in symptoms.

Description

A clumping, perennial herbaceous plant to 1m high with underground tubers. Commonly grown as a garden ornamental.

The funnel shaped flowers have six petals with the inner three usually darker or with streaks. The flowers are 4-5cm in diameter and held in loose clusters at the end of the stems.

The leaves are green to grey-green in colour, long and narrow, lanceolate in shape, and characteristically whorled or twisted from the base. Length of leaves can range from 5cm up to 10cm depending upon the species.

Toxicity

  • Irritant to skin or eyes

Symptoms

Skin contact with any plant part may result in allergic reactions including rash, redness, swelling, brittle nails and asthma-like reactions. If eaten, it may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Images

Photo by Lorna Ngugi
Photo by Lorna Ngugi
Photo by Lorna Ngugi

Details

Common name: Peruvian lily

Botanical nameAlstroemeria spp.

Other common names: Inca lily

Family: Alstroemeriaceae

General description: A clumping, perennial herbaceous plant to 1m high with underground tubers. Commonly grown as a garden ornamental.

Flowers: The funnel shaped flowers have six petals with the inner three usually darker or with streaks. The flowers are 4-5cm in diameter and held in loose clusters at the end of the stems.

Leaves: The leaves are green to grey-green in colour, long and narrow, lanceolate in shape, and characteristically whorled or twisted from the base. Length of leaves can range from 5cm up to 10cm depending upon the species.

Fruit/Berries: The fruit is a three-valved capsule.

Last updated: July 2023