Alstroemeria spectabilis
Schenk.
Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada (via Wikimedia Commons)
Muhammad Mahdi Karim (via Wikimedia Commons)
JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) (via Wikimedia Commons)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Root, Bulb
The root is edible when cooked.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
A tropical plant.
Brazil, South America,
How to Identify
Perennial plant that is frost-hardy with hermaphrodite flowers. Adapts to light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soils in mildly acidic to mildly alkaline conditions. Grows in semi-shade or full sun with preference for moist soil and tolerance for maritime exposure.
How to Grow
Plant roots 15-20 cm deep when dormant. Plants can be grown from seed. Stored seed need to be treated by soaking in warm water for 12 hours before planting. Plants do not transplant easily.
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.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Other Uses
None known
Wikipedia
Source ↗Perennial plant that is frost-hardy with hermaphrodite flowers. Adapts to light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soils in mildly acidic to mildly alkaline conditions. Grows in semi-shade or full sun with preference for moist soil and tolerance for maritime exposure.
Notes
There are about 50-80 Alstroemeria species. They occur in South America especially in cool mountain regions.
References (1)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
